What does it mean word for word?
The part 結構です (kekkou desu) literally means "it is fine" or "it is sufficient," implying that the current situation is enough and nothing more is needed.
Which one should you use?
While いいえ、結構です is a polite way to decline, using just いいえ (no) on its own can sound blunt or even rude if it is not followed by a softening phrase like 結構です.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
いいえ、結構です is a polite and standard way to decline an offer, making it suitable for use with strangers or in professional settings. For a more formal and extremely polite way to decline an offer, you can use 申し訳ありませんが、お断りさせていただきます (I'm truly sorry, but I must decline). In casual, daily conversations, people often use the more colloquial 大丈夫です (I'm okay / No thanks) or the informal ごめん、ちょっと無理 (Sorry, it's a bit difficult for me).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In western Japan, particularly when using the Kansai dialect, you may hear the casual expression いや、いらん (Nah, I'm good).
How do you pronounce it?
iie, kekkou desu
Did you know?
- If you use the phrase 結構です with an overly enthusiastic tone, you might accidentally tell someone that their offer is 'splendid' or 'wonderful' instead of declining it.
- Japanese culture often relies on 'soft refusals' where instead of saying 'no thanks', people say 'it is a bit…' (chotto…) and trail off, leaving the rejection unspoken.
- When declining an offer, Japanese speakers often accompany 結構です with a small hand gesture, such as waving their hand in front of their face.
Examples in context
- お茶を飲みますか？ いいえ、結構です。ocha o nomimasu ka? iie, kekkou desu.Would you like some tea? No, thank you.
- デザートはいかがですか？ いいえ、結構です。dezāto wa ikaga desu ka? iie, kekkou desu.How about some dessert? No, thank you.
Example conversation
Misaki offers Daigaku a drink at the office.
- 美咲 Misakiお茶を飲みますか？Ocha o nomimasu ka?Would you like some tea?
- 大翔 Hirotoいいえ、結構です。Iie, kekkou desu.No, thank you.
- 美咲 Misakiわかりました。お仕事頑張ってください。Wakarimashita. Oshigoto ganbatte kudasai.I understand. Good luck with your work.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
