no, gracias
/ˈno ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas/word by word
In Spanish, no, gracias is used to say "no, thank you".
This phrase is a polite way to decline an offer or a request. While no, gracias is the standard polite response, using only no can sound blunt or rude depending on your tone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal combination of no (no) and gracias (thanks).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear No, gracias, no hace falta or No, gracias, no es necesario to mean "No, thank you, it's not necessary". In Argentina, the phrase No, gracias, pero paso is used to mean "No, thank you, but I don't want to".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈno ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas]. It has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- If you are declining food in a Mexican household, refusing more than twice can sometimes be seen as a social ritual where the host insists regardless.
- The linguistic root of 'gracias' is the same as the name of the 'Three Graces' in Greek mythology, representing charm and beauty.
- Spanish speakers sometimes omit the no and simply say gracias with a certain inflection to imply a decline, as saying 'thanks' for an offer can be interpreted as 'I'm good'.
Examples in context
- No, gracias, ya comí.No, thank you, I already ate.
- ¿Quieres más café? No, gracias.Do you want more coffee? No, thank you.
- No, gracias, estoy bien así.No, thank you, I am fine like this.
Example conversation
Javier offers Elena a piece of cake.
- JavierElena, ¿quieres un trozo de pastel?Elena, do you want a piece of cake?
- ElenaNo, gracias, Javier.No, thank you, Javier.
- Javier¿Estás segura?Are you sure?
- ElenaSí, acabo de comer.Yes, I just ate.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry no, gracias, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (no, gracias) and can differ in connected speech.
