How to Politely Say No Thank You in Japanese
Saying “no thank you” in Japanese can be a delicate matter, especially in formal or business settings. The language offers various ways to express this refusal in a respectful and polite manner. Here are some of the most common and effective ways to politely say “no thank you” in Japanese.
1. ありがとうございます、控えさせていただきます。
This phrase combines gratitude with a polite refusal. “ありがとうございます” means “thank you,” and “控えさせていただきます” translates to “I will decline.” This expression is suitable for both formal and informal situations.
2. それはちょっと難しいですね。
If you want to decline an invitation or offer without being too direct, you can say “それはちょっと難しいですね” (Sore wa chotto naniga desu ne). This translates to “That’s a bit difficult,” which is a subtle way of saying “no thank you” without sounding rude.
3. 申し訳ありませんが、もう一つ他の用事があるんです。
When you need to decline an invitation due to prior commitments, this phrase is a good choice. “申し訳ありませんが” means “I’m sorry,” and “もう一つ他の用事があるんです” translates to “I already have another engagement.” It shows respect and provides a reason for your refusal.
4. お手数ですが、もう少し考えてみます。
If you’re not ready to commit to an offer but don’t want to seem ungrateful, you can say “お手数ですが、もう少し考えてみます” (Otemae desu ga, moushi ni kangaete mimasu). This translates to “It’s麻烦 you, but I’ll think about it for a bit.” It’s a polite way to buy some time before making a decision.
5. それはもう少し考えてみます。
For situations where you need more time to consider an offer, you can simply say “それはもう少し考えてみます” (Sore wa moushi ni kangaete mimasu), which means “I’ll think about it for a bit.” This expression is versatile and can be used in various contexts.
In conclusion, there are several ways to politely say “no thank you” in Japanese. The key is to choose the right phrase based on the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. By using these expressions, you can communicate your refusal in a respectful and considerate manner.
