Нет, спасибо
The English phrase "no thanks" is translated into Russian as Нет, спасибо.
Нет, спасибо is a straightforward and polite way to decline an offer in any formal setting. Other ways to express refusal include Я отказываюсь, спасибо, which provides a slightly more formal tone for refusing an invitation or offer and Мне не нужно, спасибо, which is appropriate for politely declining something you do not require or want. You can also use Спасибо, но нет to add a polite touch when declining an invitation or offer.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Нет, спасибо is composed of the word нет (no) and спасибо (thank you).
Which one should you use?
While Нет, спасибо is the standard form, the colloquial reduction Не, спасибо is common in casual speech. For a more playful and affectionate way to say "No thanks" among friends or close acquaintances, you can use Нет, спасибки.
How does it change in a sentence?
In written Russian, a comma is typically used between нет and спасибо to separate the negation from the expression of gratitude.
Did you know?
- The word спасибо is actually a contraction of an old phrase meaning 'God save (you)'.
- In Russian culture, refusing a gift or an offer of hospitality too many times can be seen as impolite, so Нет, спасибо is often said once or twice before eventually accepting.
- If you were to say 'no thanks' in a very old, religious style, you might say спаси Господи instead of the modern спасибо.
Examples in context
- Нет, спасибо, я не пью.No thanks, I don't drink.Tatoeba #6330105 by astru, translation #6330103 by astru
- Нет, спасибо. Это не моё.No thanks, that's not my thing.Tatoeba #3993562 by marafon, translation #7920146 by sundown
- Нет, спасибо, я беременна.No thanks, I'm pregnant.Tatoeba #2749056 by afyodor, translation #3283007 by Farvoyager
- Нет, спасибо. У меня уже другие планы.No thanks. I already have other plans.
- Спасибо, но нет. Я больше не могу есть.Thank you, but no. I can't eat anymore.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Olga and Sergey are at a dinner party.
- Ольга OlgaХочешь ещё немного салата, Сергей?Khochesh' yeshchyo nemnogo salata, Sergey?Do you want some more salad, Sergey?
- Сергей SergeyНет, спасибо, я уже сыт.Net, spasibo, ya uzhe syt.No thanks, I am already full.
- Ольга OlgaА может быть, десерт?A mozhet byt', desert?How about some dessert?
- Сергей SergeyНет, спасибо, Ольга.Net, spasibo, Ol'ga.No thanks, Olga.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries нет, спасибо, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
