JLPT N5
Polite "No, thank you"
Japanese
けっこうです
Kekkou desu
Lesson & Usage
- [English equivalent: "No thank you," "I'm fine," or "That's enough."] This is a very useful phrase to politely decline an offer. Whether a shop clerk offers a bag or a friend offers more food, this is more polite than just saying "Iie" (No).
Culture & Etiquette
- The word "Kekkou" originally means "wonderful" or "sufficient." By saying this, you are literally saying "It is already wonderful as it is," which implies you don't need anything more. It is a very Japanese way to avoid direct rejection.
