لا شكراً
la shukran
In Arabic, the English phrase "no thanks" is expressed as لا شكراً (la shukran).
لا شكراً is a polite way to decline an offer or a suggestion.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the word لا (no) and shukran (thanks/thank you).
Which one should you use?
While لا شكراً is common, you may encounter other variations. The phrase لا، شكرًا translates specifically to "No, thank you," and لا، أشكرك means "No, I thank you."
How do you pronounce it?
la shukran
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, it is common to say لا شكراً several times before finally accepting an offer, as accepting immediately can be seen as overly eager or greedy.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, saying لا شكراً can feel somewhat abrupt if it is not accompanied by a small gesture, such as placing a hand over the heart to show sincerity.
- The word لا shares its ancient roots with the Hebrew word לֹא (lo), both descending from a common Proto-Semitic ancestor.
Examples in context
- لا شكراً. أنا متعب.No, thanks. I am tired.This sentence demonstrates how to use لا شكراً to decline an offer because of tiredness.Tatoeba #458355 by saeb, translation #456509 by lukaszpp
- لا، أشكرك، لقد انتهيتNo, thank you, I'm done.
- لا شكراً، لست جائعاً.la shukran, lastu jia'an.No thanks, I am not hungry.
- لا شكراً، لا أحتاج مساعدة.la shukran, la ahtaju musa'ada.No thanks, I don't need help.
Example conversation
Ahmed offers Mariam some coffee at the office.
- أحمد Ahmedمريم، هل تريدين قهوة؟Mariam, hal turidina qahwa?Mariam, do you want coffee?
- مريم Maryamلا شكراً، أحمد.la shukran, Ahmed.No thanks, Ahmed.
- أحمد Ahmedهل تريدين بعض الشاي بدلاً من ذلك؟hal turidina ba'da al-shay badlan min dhalik?Do you want some tea instead?
- مريم Maryamلا، شكراً لك.la, shukran lak.No, thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries لا, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
