Saying 'No' Politely
2020-12-19
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1Today, we answer a question from Ryan in China. He writes:
2When I want to say "no" with more politeness, what are other expressions I can use?
3Here are some examples about the situation: When the teacher asks me, "Do you have any questions?" Or when the flight attendant asks me.
4"Do you need coffee?" Thanks! - Ryan.
5Dear Ryan,
6Thank you for your question.
7Most Americans speak directly and are not afraid to say "No" in many situations.
8But we do have ways to be polite -- or show respect for another's feelings.
9The simplest way to be polite is to say, "No, thank you."
10Let us look at some other polite ways to say "no."
11In the case of a teacher asking, "Do you have any questions?" you may want to answer this way:
12No, I do not have any, because your lesson was very clear.
13Another answer you may give is:
14Not now, but I might have some later when I try to do the assignment.
15This leaves open the possibility of asking questions on the subject later.
16On a plane when a flight attendant asks, "Do you need coffee?" you may hear this answer:
17Thanks, I'm fine.
18Note that the speaker does not use the word "no" but still sends the message that coffee is not wanted.
19Another answer would suggest something else the attendant can bring.
20No thanks, but I would like some water.
21I think that saying "no" may be more difficult in other situations, such as when a friend asks you for a favor.
22In this case, Americans would usually explain why they cannot help.
23Here is an example:
24Ryan, can I borrow your bicycle tomorrow?
25No, I'm sorry, but I need it to go to my job.
26It is also difficult to say "no" to an invitation.
27We might say we would like to accept it to be polite. Listen to this example:
28Ryan, can you join us for dinner Saturday?
29I wish I could, but I have other plans.
30Here, you express the idea that you want to accept the invitation but you do not need to give details of your plan.
31I hope this helps the next time you want to give a polite answer to a question, Ryan.
32And that's Ask a Teacher.
33What question do you have about American English? Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com
34I'm Jill Robbins.
1Today, we answer a question from Ryan in China. He writes: 2Question: 3When I want to say "no" with more politeness, what are other expressions I can use? Here are some examples about the situation: When the teacher asks me, "Do you have any questions?" Or when the flight attendant asks me. "Do you need coffee?" Thanks! - Ryan. 4Answer: 5Dear Ryan, 6Thank you for your question. Most Americans speak directly and are not afraid to say "No" in many situations. But we do have ways to be polite -- or show respect for another's feelings. The simplest way to be polite is to say, "No, thank you." Let us look at some other polite ways to say "no." 7Any questions? 8In the case of a teacher asking, "Do you have any questions?" you may want to answer this way: 9No, I do not have any, because your lesson was very clear. 10Another answer you may give is: 11Not now, but I might have some later when I try to do the assignment. 12This leaves open the possibility of asking questions on the subject later. 13More coffee? 14On a plane when a flight attendant asks, "Do you need coffee?" you may hear this answer: 15Thanks, I'm fine. 16Note that the speaker does not use the word "no" but still sends the message that coffee is not wanted. Another answer would suggest something else the attendant can bring. 17No thanks, but I would like some water. 18More difficult situations 19I think that saying "no" may be more difficult in other situations, such as when a friend asks you for a favor. In this case, Americans would usually explain why they cannot help. 20Here is an example: 21Ryan, can I borrow your bicycle tomorrow? 22No, I'm sorry, but I need it to go to my job. 23It is also difficult to say "no" to an invitation. We might say we would like to accept it to be polite. Listen to this example: 24Ryan, can you join us for dinner Saturday? 25I wish I could, but I have other plans. 26Here, you express the idea that you want to accept the invitation but you do not need to give details of your plan. 27I hope this helps the next time you want to give a polite answer to a question, Ryan. 28And that's Ask a Teacher. 29What question do you have about American English? Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com 30I'm Jill Robbins. 31Dr. Jill Robbins wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. 32_______________________________________________________________ 33Words in This Story 34polite - adj. having or showing good manners or respect for other people 35assignment - n. a job or duty that is given to someone; a task someone is required to do 36Do you have a question for the teacher? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com.