Saying No Politely
These phrases will help you politely decline invitations and refuse offers while maintaining good relationships with others.
Key Phrases
C'est sympa, mais je ne vais pas pouvoir venir avec vous ce soir.
casualIt's nice, but I won't be able to come with you tonight.
A friendly and direct refusal to use with friends or close coworkers.
C'est très gentil de proposer, mais je ne peux pas y assister cette fois-ci.
neutralIt's very kind to offer, but I cannot attend this time.
A standard, polite way to decline an event you were invited to.
Je vous remercie pour l'événement que vous organisez, mais je ne serai pas disponible.
politeI thank you for the event you are organizing, but I will not be available.
Formal register using the future tense, best for professional emails or distant acquaintances.
Ça m'embête vraiment de rater la soirée dont tu m'as parlé, le programme avait l'air génial.
casualIt really bothers me to miss the party you told me about, the schedule looked awesome.
Softens the blow by emphasizing how much you wanted to go.
Je suis vraiment désolé de ne pas pouvoir vous rejoindre pour le dîner ce soir.
neutralI am really sorry not to be able to join you for dinner tonight.
A versatile apology that works in almost any social or professional setting.
J'ai déjà un truc de prévu ce soir-là, il faut que j'aide un ami.
casualI already have something planned that evening, I have to help a friend.
Uses the subjunctive (il faut que) in a completely natural, everyday expression.
Mon emploi du temps est malheureusement trop chargé pour ajouter un autre rendez-vous cette semaine.
politeMy schedule is unfortunately too busy to add another appointment this week.
Clear and professional; gracefully shuts down further requests.
Je suis complètement crevé après le travail, je crois que je vais juste rentrer dormir.
casualI am completely exhausted after work, I think I'm just going to go home and sleep.
'Crevé' is very common everyday slang for being extremely tired.
Je suis un peu fatigué en ce moment, je préfère rester chez moi pour me reposer.
neutralI am a bit tired at the moment, I prefer to stay home to rest.
An honest but polite reason to stay in without sounding dramatic.
Est-ce qu'on peut plutôt se voir le week-end prochain pour boire un verre ?
casualCan we meet up next weekend for a drink instead?
Keeps the relationship strong by immediately proposing a new plan.
Serait-il possible de remettre notre réunion à la semaine prochaine, si cela vous convient ?
politeWould it be possible to postpone our meeting to next week, if that suits you?
Highly respectful way to reschedule with clients or superiors.
On se tient au courant dans les prochains jours pour organiser quelque chose de sympa.
neutralWe'll keep in touch in the next few days to organize something nice.
A common way to promise a future meetup without committing to a specific date yet.
Non merci, je n'ai plus faim du tout, j'ai vraiment très bien mangé ce midi.
casualNo thanks, I'm not hungry at all anymore, I really ate very well this afternoon.
Perfect for when a host tries to offer you a second or third helping.
C'est délicieux, mais je ne peux vraiment plus rien avaler après ce grand repas.
politeIt is delicious, but I really can't eat another bite after this big meal.
Compliments the food first before firmly refusing more.
Ne t'inquiète pas, je gère la situation tout seul, mais merci beaucoup de l'avoir demandé.
casualDon't worry, I'm managing the situation on my own, but thanks a lot for asking.
'Je gère' is a very common informal way to say 'I've got this'.
Merci de proposer votre aide, mais je pense que je peux me débrouiller sans problème.
neutralThanks for offering your help, but I think I can manage without a problem.
Polite but assertive way to maintain independence.