nee bedankt
/neː bəˈdɑŋkt/word by word
In Dutch, the phrase for "no thanks" is nee bedankt.
nee bedankt is a polite way to decline an offer of food, drink or assistance.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nee (no) and bedankt (thanked/thanks).
Which one should you use?
While nee bedankt is common, Nee, dank u wel is a more formal and polite way to decline an offer. Other variations include the informal Nee, dank je wel and the informal Nee hoor, ik sla over, which means "no, thanks, I'll pass".
How do you pronounce it?
/neː bəˈdɑŋkt/
Did you know?
- While bedankt means 'thanks', the root verb bedanken can also be used to formally resign from a professional position or a title.
- To make a refusal sound less blunt, Dutch speakers often insert the particle hoor to create nee hoor. This softens the tone and makes you sound much friendlier.
- The word nee is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'none', both tracing back to a common Proto-Germanic origin meaning 'not one'.
Examples in context
- Nee bedankt, ik drink niet.No thanks, I don't drink.This example shows how to use nee bedankt when declining a drink.Tatoeba #13585461 by Tom9358, translation #6330103 by astru
- Nee, bedankt, maar ik ben vereerd dat je aan me dacht.No, thank you, but I'm honored that you thought of me.
- Dank je wel, maar ik kan er helaas niet bij zijn.Thank you, but unfortunately, I can't make it.
- Nee bedankt, ik heb al koffie.No thanks, I already have coffee.
- Nee bedankt, dat is niet nodig.No thanks, that is not necessary.
Example conversation
Noah offers Sophie a piece of cake.
- SophieWil je een stukje taart, Noah?Do you want a piece of cake, Noah?
- NoahNee bedankt, Sophie, ik ben vol.No thanks, Sophie, I am full.
- SophieWeet je het zeker?Are you sure?
- NoahJa, maar ik neem wel wat water.Yes, but I will take some water.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (nee, bedankt) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bedankt, nee, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
