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Japanese dictionary

How to say "No, thank you" in Japanese

いいえけっこうです · iie, kekkō desu

"No, thank you" in Japanese is いいえ、けっこうです (iie, kekkō desu). In everyday situations, 大丈夫です (daijōbu desu) is a softer way to decline.

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Ways to say "No, thank you" in Japanese

JapaneseWhen to use it
いいえけっこうです · iie, kekkō desuNo, thank you (firm, polite).
だいじょうぶです · daijōbu desuNo thanks, I'm fine (soft).
えんりょしておきます · enryo shite okimasuI'll pass (polite).

How to use it

けっこうです can sound firm, so add ありがとうございます to soften it.

To politely decline an invitation, say 今回は遠慮しておきます (I'll pass this time).

Example sentences

Questions

Is けっこうです yes or no?

It depends on the tone, but いいえ、けっこうです means "No, thank you." Adding 大丈夫です or ありがとうございます makes it softer.

What does お気持ちだけいただきます mean?

It means "I'll accept just your kind thought," a polite way to decline a gift or favor.

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