Saying NO in any language is very difficult thing to do.

In English we decline requests, offers, and invitations in a certain way, and simply saying “no” or “no thanks” isn’t always acceptable.

There are 3 steps to politely say no in English:

1. Make a statement of regret.
(I’m sorry…, I’d really like to, but…I appreciate the offer, but…, etc.)
2. Explain why the answer is no.
(I’m really busy right now, We aren’t available that weekend, etc.)
3. Offer an alternative, if possible.
(I might be able to do it next week, John might be able to help you with that, etc.)

Polite ways to say no to a request

• I’d love to help you, but right now I’m really busy with…
• I wish I could, but right now I need to focus on…
• Normally I’d be able to, but right now I have to….

Polite ways to say no to an offer

• I appreciate the offer, but…
• That would be great, but I’m already working on…
• Thank you for the offer, but my schedule is full at the moment.

Polite ways to say no to invitations to social events

• That sounds great, but….
• I’m sorry I can’t that night. I have to….
• I really appreciate the invite, but…

Table 1. How to say No in English

Examples

• ‘Are you coming tonight?’ ‘I’m afraid not, I have to work.’
• ‘Is there something special you’d like to do for your birthday?’ ‘Not really, I’d be happy to stay at home.’
• ‘Has Mr Smith checked out of his hotel yet?’ ‘Not as far as I know, no.’
• ‘Can I stay up to watch the film?’ ‘Certainly not, it’s time you went to bed!’
• ‘You didn’t tell Paul what I said, did you?’ ‘Of course not, you’re my friend!’
• ‘Would you like some cake?’ ‘No thanks/I couldn’t, I’ve just had a big lunch.’
• ‘Are you going to apologize to them?’ ‘No way! It’s all their fault!’
• ‘Are you coming up the mountain with us, then?’ ‘You must be joking! I’m not going out in this weather.’

Видео с выражениями отказа для начинающих

How To Say No. Communication Skills That Work

(Инструкции от Джеймса с EngVid)

Now TEST YOURSELF!

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+Bonus:

20 фраз, которые помогут Вам отказаться от неинтересного предложения:

• I’ll be out of town. — Я буду далеко от города.
• I’ll be out of the country. — Я уезжаю из страны.
• I can’t do that. — Я не могу этого сделать.
• It’s not my thing. — Это не моё.
• I’m already overextended, and I wouldn’t want to do a mediocre job. — Я слишком загружен, плюс не хотел бы выполнять посредственную работу.
• Have to jet, but thanks for asking. — Нужно бежать, но спасибо за вопрос.
• I’ll call you. Maybe. — Я позвоню тебе. Может быть.
• Let me check my schedule. — Позволь свериться с моим графиком.
• I would prefer to do something else. — Я предпочёл бы сделать что-нибудь ещё.
• I need more information on this. — Мне нужно больше информации об этом.
• This is a joke. Right? — Это шутка, верно?
• Life is too short to do things you don’t love. — Жизнь слишком коротка, чтобы делать то, что не любишь.
• I’ll do it for a gajillion dollars. — Я сделаю это за сто тысяч миллиардов долларов.
• Talk to my lawyer. — Поговори с моим адвокатом.
• Talk to me again in six months. — Поговори со мной снова через 6 месяцев.
• I can’t do it now, but maybe later. — Я не могу сейчас этого сделать, возможно, позже.
• I am not The One for whom you have been searching. — Я не тот, кого вы ищете.