Saying No Politely
Use these phrases to decline invitations or offers politely and suggest alternative plans in daily conversations.
Key Phrases
Lo siento, pero hoy no puedo ir a la cena.
I am sorry, but today I cannot go to the dinner.
💡 A polite way to decline a dinner invitation.
Muchas gracias por la invitación, pero tengo mucho trabajo.
Thank you very much for the invitation, but I have a lot of work.
💡 Useful for declining social or work events.
Esta noche no puedo, pero podemos salir el próximo sábado.
Tonight I cannot, but we can go out next Saturday.
💡 Use this to suggest an alternative day.
Tengo otros planes para hoy, lo dejamos para otro día.
I have other plans for today, we leave it for another day.
💡 A friendly way to suggest postponing a plan.
Me encanta la idea, pero de verdad no tengo tiempo.
I love the idea, but I really do not have time.
💡 Softens the refusal by showing interest first.
Hoy no es posible porque voy a visitar a mi familia.
Today is not possible because I am going to visit my family.
💡 Gives a clear but polite family-related reason.
Gracias por la invitación, pero ya comí hace una hora.
Thank you for the invitation, but I already ate an hour ago.
💡 Politely declines food or drinks when you are full.
No puedo ir ahora, ¿lo hacemos la próxima semana?
I cannot go now, shall we do it next week?
💡 Checks if the plan can be postponed to next week.
Me invitaron a otra fiesta y decidí ir con ellos.
They invited me to another party and I decided to go with them.
💡 Explains you already committed to another plan.
Es una pena, pero tengo que terminar este gran proyecto.
It is a pity, but I have to finish this big project.
💡 Softens the refusal using 'Es una pena'.