結構です
kekkō desu
To say no, thank you politely in Japanese, say 結構です, read kekkō desu.
Use it to turn down an offer, such as more food, a shop bag or a flyer handed out on the street.
What does it mean word for word?
結構 means fine or sufficient and です is the polite ending, so the phrase literally says that is fine as it is.
How do you pronounce it?
Say kekkō desu with a short pause on the double k and a long o. The final u of desu is usually almost silent.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because 結構 can also mean fine or good, a bright tone can sound like acceptance. Say it calmly, and a small wave of the hand in front of your face makes the refusal clear.
When do people say it?
Many Japanese speakers find it a little stiff and prefer softer ways of declining with friends, but it is a safe choice with shop staff and strangers.
Did you know?
- The word 結構 was originally used to describe the construction of a building or the quality of its workmanship. It evolved from meaning 'well-built' to meaning 'splendid' and eventually to the modern sense of 'sufficient'.
- In Japan, a refusal is often more about silence than speech. If you find yourself in a social setting, you might notice people avoiding a verbal 'no' entirely, opting instead for a meaningful pause or a vague, unfinished sentence to signal their decline.
- The phrase 'it is a little…' (chotto…) is a common linguistic tool for saying no. By leaving the sentence unfinished, a speaker can signal a polite refusal without ever having to use a word that sounds like a direct rejection.
Examples in context
- お気持ちだけ、結構です。Okimochi dake, kekkou desu.I appreciate the thought, but no thank you.
Example conversation
At a cafe, a waiter offers more water to a customer.
- 健太 Kentaお水のお代わりはいかがですか？Omizu no okawari wa ikaga desu ka?Would you like a refill of water?
- 美咲 Misakiいいえ、結構です。Iie, kekkou desu.No, thank you.
- 健太 Kentaかしこまりました。Kashikomarimashita.Certainly.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
