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Declining politely
Seven sentences to decline invitations and requests politely and suggest alternatives.
Beginner · One practice about 3 min · Created by GameTalk · Edited
When to use this
You need to decline an invitation or request today. Thank the person, state your decision briefly, and offer another time only if it works for you.
Read a sentence aloud and check its meaning. Instead of memorising everything at once, choose one sentence for today’s conversation and change the name or situation to fit your own experience.
How to practise
Read each sentence slowly. Check its meaning, then say it again without looking at the translation. Finally, add one sentence about your own situation.
1 / 7
Thank you for inviting me. I cannot join today.
초대해 주셔서 감사해요. 오늘은 참여하기 어려워요.
Combine thanks with a clear decision about today. You do not need a long explanation.
2 / 7
I do not have enough time to help right now.
지금은 여유가 없어서 도와드리기 어려워요.
Explain that you do not have time right now. Describe your situation rather than blaming the other person.
3 / 7
I have thought about it, and I have decided to pass this time.
생각해 봤는데 이번에는 하지 않으려고 해요.
State a decision you have considered. This time limits it to the current opportunity.
4 / 7
I am afraid I cannot help with that request.
그 부탁은 제가 들어드리기 어려울 것 같아요.
Explain that you cannot take on the request. Do not promise something you cannot do.
5 / 7
I cannot make it today, but I can join you this weekend.
오늘은 어렵지만 주말에는 함께할 수 있어요.
Offer another time that genuinely works. Skip this sentence if the weekend is not possible either.
6 / 7
I would rather not go into the details, but I hope you understand.
자세한 이유는 말하기 어렵지만 이해해 주시면 좋겠어요.
Use this when you prefer to keep personal details private. You do not need to disclose every reason.
7 / 7
Thank you for understanding my decision.
제 뜻을 이해해 주셔서 감사해요.
Use this to close after the other person accepts your decision.
A short example conversation
오늘 저녁에 함께 게임할까요?
초대해 주셔서 감사해요. 오늘은 참여하기 어려워요.
알겠어요. 다음에 괜찮은 날이 있나요?
주말에는 함께할 수 있어요. 토요일 오후는 어떠세요?
Common mistakes and tips
- If your decision is no, a vague maybe may leave the other person waiting. State your decision clearly.
- In this context, I am afraid… introduces disappointing news politely rather than describing fear.
Try it yourself
You cannot join today, but Saturday works. Include thanks, a clear decision, and an alternative.
Show an example answer
Example: “Thank you for inviting me. I cannot join today, but Saturday works for me.”
After your practice
Write down one expression you used for the first time. Think of another situation where it would be useful, and try using it in your next conversation.
What to practise next
Optional learning usage measurement
Allow a random ID and read, trial-start and valid local-recording milestones to be stored for up to 90 days. On sign-in we link new signup, mutual messages and D1/D7 return counts to your account. No audio, text, room URLs or advertising identifiers are collected or sent to others. Declining does not affect learning or practice. Withdrawing requests deletion.
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