15 Polite Ways to Say No in French

In French, as in any language, knowing how to say "no" politely is an essential skill, especially in formal or professional settings. Whether you're turning down an invitation, declining a request, or simply expressing a different opinion, there are various ways to say "no" without sounding rude. This article will explore 15 polite ways to say "no" in French, helping you navigate social and professional interactions with ease.

1. Non, merci.

The simplest and most common way to decline politely. This expression translates to "No, thank you." It works in nearly any situation, from rejecting an offer to politely refusing an invitation.

• "Tu veux un café?" – "Non, merci." - "Do you want a coffee?" – "No, thank you."

2.  C’est hors de question.

This expression means "It’s out of the question." It allows you to firmly refuse an offer or suggestion, clearly indicating that it is not an option, while still being politely categorical.

"Tu veux essayer ce plat ?" – "C’est hors de question, je déteste le poulet."
"Do you want to try this dish?" – "It’s out of the question, I hate chicken."

3. Ce n’est pas possible.

This is a formal way of saying "It’s not possible." It’s a great option when you need to refuse something more firmly but politely.

• "Tu peux me prêter de l’argent?" – "Ce n’est pas possible." - "Can you lend me some money?" – "It’s not possible."

4. Je ne peux pas.

Simple and clear, "I can’t" conveys your inability to accept an offer or fulfill a request.

• "Tu veux m’aider?" – "Je ne peux pas." - "Do you want to help me?" – "I can’t."

5. Désolé(e), mais je dois refuser.

"Sorry, but I must decline" is a respectful way to decline while expressing regret.

• "Tu veux venir à ma fête?" – "Désolé, mais je dois refuser." - "Do you want to come to my party?" – "Sorry, but I must decline."

6. Malheureusement, je ne peux pas.

This means "Unfortunately, I can’t." It adds a sense of regret to your refusal.

• "Tu veux aller au cinéma ce soir?" – "Malheureusement, je ne peux pas." - "Do you want to go to the movies tonight?" – "Unfortunately, I can’t."

7. Je suis désolé(e), mais je ne suis pas disponible.

This translates to "I’m sorry, but I’m not available." It’s perfect for declining invitations when you already have plans.

• "Tu veux sortir ce week-end?" – "Je suis désolé, mais je ne suis pas disponible." - "Do you want to go out this weekend?" – "I’m sorry, but I’m not available."

8. Je regrette, mais je ne peux pas accepter.

This is a polite, formal way of saying "I regret, but I cannot accept."

• "Tu veux participer au projet?" – "Je regrette, mais je ne peux pas accepter.” - "Do you want to participate in the project?" – "I regret, but I cannot accept."

9. Je n’ai pas le temps.

If you want to explain that you simply don’t have time, this is an excellent option.

• "Tu veux m’accompagner au marché?" – "Je n’ai pas le temps."- "Do you want to come with me to the market?" – "I don’t have the time."

10. Ce n’est pas prévu.

This expression is a natural way to say that you hadn’t considered this possibility or that it’s not part of your plans. It allows you to politely refuse without providing too many details or sounding abrupt. You can also say "I haven’t planned that" to emphasize that it wasn’t anticipated.

• “Tu veux venir chez moi ce soir ?" – "Ce n’est pas prévu."- "Do you want to come over to my place tonight?" – "That’s not in my plans."

11. Je suis occupé(e) à ce moment-là.

This means "I’m busy at that time." It’s another polite way to decline by citing your availability.

• "Tu veux aller au concert?" – "Je suis occupé à ce moment-là."- "Do you want to go to the concert?" – "I’m busy at that time."

12. Je ne suis pas sûr(e) de pouvoir.

This is a polite, less direct way to say "I’m not sure I can."

• "Tu veux m’aider avec ce projet?" – "Je ne suis pas sûr de pouvoir."- "Do you want to help me with this project?" – "I’m not sure I can."

13. Ce n’est pas une bonne idée pour moi.

This means "It’s not a good idea for me." It’s a polite way of saying no by providing a reason.

• "Tu veux qu’on se retrouve demain?" – "Ce n’est pas une bonne idée pour moi."- "Do you want to meet tomorrow?" – "It’s not a good idea for me."

14. Je te remercie, mais je vais devoir refuser.

This translates to "Thank you, but I’ll have to decline." It’s a formal way to politely refuse an offer.

• "Tu veux un autre verre?" – "Je vous remercie, mais je vais devoir refuser." - "Do you want another drink?" – "Thank you, but I’ll have to decline."

15. J’aimerais, mais je ne peux pas.

This is a polite way to express that you would like to accept but can’t.

• "Tu veux venir à la plage?" – "J’aimerais, mais je ne peux pas." - "Do you want to go to the beach?" – "I’d like to, but I can’t."

Exercise: Choose the Right Response

Fill in the blanks with the correct polite refusal. Choose between Non, merci, Je préfère ne pas, Je suis désolé(e), mais je ne peux pas, Malheureusement, je ne peux pas, and others.

1. Tu veux m’accompagner au cinéma ?

2. Tu veux venir ce soir à la fête ?

3. Tu veux m’aider avec mon travail ?

4. Tu veux manger ce gâteau ?

5. Tu peux me prêter ton livre ?

Answers and Explanations

1. Je suis désolé(e), mais je ne peux pas. (Polite, clear refusal)

2. Malheureusement, je ne peux pas. (Adding regret)

3. Je préfère ne pas. (Preferring not to help)

4. Non, merci. (Simple, polite refusal)

5. Je suis désolé(e), mais je ne peux pas. (A polite, firm refusal)

Private French lessons online or in person in Paris with French à La Carte

At French à La Carte, we offer personalized and structured private French lessons. Grammar structures, syntax, tenses, feel free to contact us to learn more about the grammar points to focus on on according to your level ( A1,A2,B1,B2,C1)
If, you would like to practise with a French tutor, we can help you with private personalized lessons online or in person in Paris.

We offer

• Conversational French

• French for professionals

• Lessons in the evening & on the week-ends

• Immersive lessons in Paris

• Exam preparation ( TCF, DELF, DALF)