A2French

Saying No Politely

Use these phrases to politely say no to an invitation or offer while maintaining a good relationship.

Key Phrases

Voice
Declining an invitation · 3 ways to say it

C'est gentil, mais non merci.

casual

That's nice, but no thanks.

A friendly way to say no to peers or friends.

Merci beaucoup, mais je ne peux pas venir.

neutral

Thank you very much, but I can't come.

Standard and safe for most everyday situations.

Merci pour l'invitation, mais ce n'est pas possible.

polite

Thank you for the invitation, but it's not possible.

Good for formal situations, like with a boss or a client.

Apologizing · 2 ways to say it

Désolé, je ne suis pas libre.

casual

Sorry, I'm not free.

Add an 'e' to the end of 'Désolé' in writing if you are a woman.

Je suis vraiment désolé.

polite

I am really sorry.

Stating you are busy · 2 ways to say it

J'ai trop de choses à faire.

casual

I have too many things to do.

Je suis très occupé en ce moment.

neutral

I am very busy right now.

Suggesting another time · 2 ways to say it

Peut-être une autre fois ?

casual

Maybe another time?

On peut faire ça la semaine prochaine ?

neutral

Can we do that next week?

Using 'On' for 'We' is the standard way people speak in France.

Declining an offer · 2 ways to say it

Non merci, ça va.

casual

No thanks, I'm good.

A very common way to turn down more food or a receipt at a store.

Non, c'est gentil.

neutral

No, that's kind of you.

Practice Dialogue

Event Organizer
Salut ! Tu vas venir au restaurant ce soir ?
Invited Colleague
C'est gentil, mais non merci.
Event Organizer
Ah bon ? Pourquoi ?
Invited Colleague
Je suis très occupé en ce moment.
Event Organizer
Ah d'accord. Tu vas finir tard ?
Invited Colleague
Oui, je dois travailler. Je suis vraiment désolé.
Event Organizer
Pas de souci. Peut-être une autre fois ?
Invited Colleague
Oui ! On peut manger ensemble demain midi ?

More Greetings & Socializing (A2)

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