ENGLISH PHRASES TO REFUSE AN INVITATION OR OFFER
Occasionally, someone might offer you something to eat, drink or invite you to an event, and you might not be hungry, have other plans or simply not be interested. Saying no to an offer might seem too straightforward and may even be seen as rude.
Here are some polite expressions you can use to politely refuse an offer.
Not today, thanks.
For example:
Ayumi: I’m going shopping later. Would you like to come with me?
Kate: Not today, thanks. I have a test tomorrow and I really need to study.
あゆみ： このあと買い物に行くんだけど 一緒に行きませんか？
ケイト：今日はいいや、ありがとう。明日はテストがあるから、どうしても勉強しないといけないの。
It’s very kind of you but…
For example:
Mike: I baked cookies this morning. Would you like to try some?
Satoshi: It’s very kind of you but im on a diet now.
マイク：今朝、クッキーを焼いたんだ。食べてみませんか？
さとし：ご親切にありがとうございます、でも私は今ダイエット中なんです。
Maybe another time.
For example:
Brad: Would you like to get dinner tomorrow night?
Aoi: I have work till late. Maybe another time.
ブラッド：明日の夜、食事でもしませんか？
アオイ：遅くまで仕事があるんだ。また今度ね。
Sorry I have other plans…
For example:
Takeru: Would you like to go with me to my favorite singers live show on saturday?
Fred: Sorry I have other plans on saturday.
タケル： 土曜日に僕の好きな歌手のライブに一緒に行きませんか？
フレッド：ごめん、土曜日は他の予定があるんだ。
I wish I could make it but I can’t
For example:
Natsumi: Will you be at the high school reunion next month?
Emi: I wish I could make it but I cant. I will be out of town next month.
夏海：来月、高校の同窓会があるけど、来る？
えみ：出られたらいいんだけど、出られないの。来月は街を離れるから。
It’s very tempting but…
For example:
Tony: My friends and I are going to cinema today. Do you want to join?
Saori: Its very tempting but I have to finish my work report today.
トニー：今日、友達と映画館に行くんだ。一緒に行かない？
沙織：とても魅力的だけど、今日は仕事のレポートを仕上げなければならないの。
Can I take a raincheck?
For example:
Josh: Are we still meeting for coffee later?
Peter: Can I take a raincheck on the coffee? There is an emergency at work.
ジョシュ：後でコーヒーでも飲むかい？
ピーター ：また今度でいい？今夜は遅くまで仕事なんだ。