How to Say "Sorry, but No" in Spanish

lo siento, pero no

The English phrase "sorry, but no" is translated into Spanish as lo siento, pero no.

lo siento, pero no is a polite way to refuse a request or decline an invitation.

Which one should you use?

While the component lo siento by itself expresses regret, adding pero no clarifies that the refusal is definitive.

This phrase is neutral and is suitable for both formal and informal situations when declining an offer or request.

In the phrase lo siento, pero no, the verb sentir is conjugated in the first-person singular present indicative to express the speaker's regret.

While lo siento is common, you can also say me sabe mal to express regret, which literally translates to 'it tastes bad to me'.
The word pero originates from the Late Latin 'per hoc', which literally meant 'through this' or 'for this reason'.
While lo siento is a standard refusal, in many Spanish-speaking cultures, a direct 'no' is avoided to save face. People often use me gustaría, pero… to soften the blow even further.

No es posible para mí en este momento, muchas gracias por pensar en mí
It's not possible for me at the moment, thank you so much for considering me
Le agradezco su amable invitación, pero no podré asistir
I appreciate your kind invitation, but I won't be able to attend
Aprecio que me hayas invitado, pero no puedo ir
I appreciate you inviting me, but I can't go
No me apetece, pero gracias por pensar en mí
I don't feel like it, but thank you for thinking of me
No puedo acceder a su petición, lo siento
I cannot comply with your request, I'm sorry
No puedo aceptar, disculpa
I can't accept, sorry
¿Quieres ir al cine conmigo? Lo siento, pero no.
Do you want to go to the movies with me? Sorry, but no.
Lo siento, pero no puedo ir a la fiesta.
Sorry, but I cannot go to the party.
Lo siento, pero no tengo dinero ahora.
Sorry, but I don't have money right now.

Elena invites Javier to a party.

Sources

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