no, thank you

/ˈnoʊ ˈθæŋk ju/
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A polite way to refuse something offered.

Examples

  • She shook her head and said, "No, thank you."
  • He answered "No, thank you" when the waiter offered dessert.
  • "Would you like more coffee?" "No, thank you."
  • "Can I carry that?" "No, thank you, I can manage."
  • "Would you like a biscuit?" "No, thank you."

Similar words

Meanings

Decline an offer politely

social
neutral
Said to politely refuse something another person offers.

Examples

  • "Would you like more coffee?" "No, thank you."
  • "Can I carry that?" "No, thank you, I can manage."
  • She shook her head and said, "No, thank you."
  • "Would you like a biscuit?" "No, thank you."
  • He answered "No, thank you" when the waiter offered dessert.

Similar words

Etymology

No declines an offer and thank you shows appreciation for it. Together they soften the refusal.

FAQ

What does no, thank you mean?

It politely declines an offer.

Is no, thank you rude?

No. The thanks shows appreciation for the offer.

Can I use no, thank you when offered food?

Yes. It is a common reply.

How is no, thank you different from no thanks?

Both decline politely, but no thanks sounds a little more casual.

What is the opposite reply to no, thank you?

Yes, please politely accepts the offer.

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