Learning how to say “no” politely is an important part of speaking French, especially because French culture values courtesy and respect in everyday communication. Saying “no” does not have to sound rude or harsh.
With the right expressions, you can refuse something clearly while still sounding kind and thoughtful. Below are 12 polite and natural ways to say “no” in French, along with examples to help you understand how to use them.
Different ways to say “No” in French
Saying “no” in French can be done in many polite and natural ways. Here are some common expressions you can use to refuse something gently while still sounding respectful and friendly.
| French Phrase | Meaning in English |
| Non | No |
| Non, merci | No, thank you |
| Je suis désolé(e), mais… | I’m sorry, but… |
| Ce n’est pas possible | It’s not possible |
| Je ne crois pas | I don’t think so |
| Pas vraiment | Not really |
| Je préférerais pas | I’d rather not |
| Peut-être une autre fois | Maybe another time |
| Je n’ai pas le temps | I don’t have time |
| Ce n’est pas pour moi | It’s not for me |
| Je ne suis pas sûr(e) | I’m not sure |
| On verra | We’ll see |
Here Are the 12 Polite Ways to Say “No” in French
1. Non
This is the most direct way to say “no.” It is short and simple, but tone matters a lot. Say it calmly to avoid sounding too strong.
Example:
Non, ce n’est pas possible.
(No, that’s not possible.)
“Non” is the French word for “no,” and it’s perfectly fine to use on its own in most situations. However, in French culture, blunt refusals can sometimes sound harsh if not softened with tone or facial expression. Try to say it with a polite smile or a calm voice.
2. Non, merci
Use this expression when someone offers you something, such as food, drink, help, or an invitation. Adding “merci” makes your refusal sound warm and polite.
Example:
Non, merci. Je viens de manger.
(No, thank you. I just ate.)
This is one of the most useful and polite ways to say no in French. It is a gentle response that shows appreciation for the offer. You can use it in restaurants, with friends, or even at formal events.
It’s short, polite, and shows that you are thankful even if you are refusing. If you want to be extra polite, you can add something like: Non, merci beaucoup (No, thank you very much).
3. Je suis désolé(e), mais…
This phrase means, “I’m sorry, but…” and shows that you care about the other person’s feelings. It is often used in friendly or formal situations.
Example:
Je suis désolé, mais je ne peux pas vous aider aujourd’hui.
(I’m sorry, but I can’t help you today.)
When you start your refusal with Je suis désolé(e), mais…, it immediately softens your “no.” It shows empathy and politeness. The “(e)” at the end of désolé(e) is used when you’re female.
This phrase is ideal for work settings, customer service, or any situation where you want to sound professional yet kind. You can adapt your response for various reasons based on the situation:
- Je suis désolé, mais je n’ai pas le temps. (I’m sorry, but I don’t have time.)
- Je suis désolé, mais j’ai déjà quelque chose de prévu. (I’m sorry, but I already have plans.)
4. Ce n’est pas possible
A clear, firm refusal. Use it when something cannot be done, often in professional settings or when plans are fixed.
Example:
Ce n’est pas possible pour moi demain.
(It’s not possible for me tomorrow.)
This phrase is perfect when you need to set boundaries politely. It’s straightforward and professional. It can also help you sound firm without being rude. If someone insists, you can strengthen it with a reason, for example:
- Ce n’est pas possible aujourd’hui, je suis trop occupé.
(It’s not possible today, I’m too busy.)
It’s often used in workplaces, customer service, or when declining invitations that don’t fit your schedule.
5. Je ne crois pas
This means “I don’t think so.” It is softer than saying no directly.
Example:
Je ne crois pas que je puisse venir ce soir.
(I don’t think I can come tonight.)
This phrase sounds thoughtful and polite. It doesn’t completely close the door, so it’s useful when you want to say no gently.
You can use it when you’re unsure or don’t want to sound too negative. It works especially well in social situations with friends or colleagues.
6. Pas vraiment
This means “not really.” It is casual and works well with friends.
Example:
Tu veux aller au cinéma ? — Pas vraiment.
(Do you want to go to the movies? — Not really.)
Pas vraiment is friendly and light. It’s a perfect way to decline something without sounding rude. You can also use it when you want to express mild disinterest instead of a firm no. For example:
- Tu aimes le café ? — Pas vraiment. (Do you like coffee? — Not really.)
It’s often used in casual conversation rather than formal settings.
7. Je préférerais pas
This is a gentle phrase meaning “I’d rather not.” It shows preference, not rejection.
Example:
Je préférerais pas sortir sous la pluie.
(I’d rather not go out in the rain.)
This phrase is polite and indirect. It shows that you are making a personal choice rather than rejecting someone’s offer. You can use it with friends, colleagues, or in semi-formal situations. It’s less harsh than saying non (no) directly and helps you express your feelings in a considerate way.
8. Peut-être une autre fois
Use this when you want to refuse but stay friendly. It leaves the possibility open.
Example:
Peut-être une autre fois, quand je suis moins occupé.
(Maybe another time, when I’m less busy.)
This phrase is excellent when you don’t want to close the door completely. It’s perfect for turning down invitations or offers when you might want to accept in the future. It makes the other person feel valued and keeps the relationship positive.
You can also say Une prochaine fois (Another time) for a shorter version.
9. Je n’ai pas le temps
A polite way to decline when you are busy.
Example1:
Désolée, je n’ai pas le temps aujourd’hui.
(Sorry, I don’t have time today.)
This phrase is both honest and polite. It’s one of the most common reasons people give for refusing something. You can soften it by adding désolé(e) or peut-être plus tard (maybe later). It’s perfect for work situations, meetings, or even with friends when you’re genuinely too busy.
Example 2:
Je n’ai pas le temps cette semaine, mais peut-être le week-end prochain.
(I don’t have time this week, but maybe next weekend.)
This second example keeps the refusal polite while leaving the door open for another opportunity, showing that you’re still interested but currently unavailable.
10. Ce n’est pas pour moi
Use this when something does not suit your tastes or personality.
Example:
Merci, mais la musique très forte, ce n’est pas pour moi.
(Thank you, but very loud music is not for me.)
This phrase helps you express personal preference politely. It’s useful when refusing offers, activities, or ideas that don’t match your interests.
It avoids sounding judgmental and instead focuses on your personal choice. You can use it for food, hobbies, styles, or invitations.
11. Je ne suis pas sûr(e)
This means “I’m not sure.” Use it when you want to avoid answering directly.
Example:
Je ne suis pas sûr de vouloir essayer cela.
(I’m not sure I want to try that.)
When you’re uncertain or don’t want to commit to something, this is the perfect phrase. It gives you time to think or avoid saying “no” directly. It’s polite, diplomatic, and commonly used in both personal and professional situations.
12. On verra
This literally means “We will see.” It is a gentle way to delay saying no, often used socially.
Example:
On verra si j’ai le temps ce week-end.
(We’ll see if I have time this weekend.)
This is a friendly and non-committal way to respond when you don’t want to say yes or no right away.
It’s often used when you don’t want to disappoint someone but aren’t ready to agree either. Parents also often use on verra with children as a soft way to say no without argument.
Final Thought
Saying “no” politely in French is about more than just words; it’s about showing respect and kindness.
These phrases help you refuse something without sounding rude. Whether you’re talking to friends, colleagues, or strangers, choosing the right expression makes you sound natural and confident.
Mastering these polite ways to say no will help you communicate smoothly and sound more like a native French speaker.
If you enjoyed learning these polite ways to say “no”, take your French to the next level with online French lessons from French As You Like It.
Our native French tutors design custom lessons based on your goals, whether you want to improve your conversation skills, understand French culture, or feel more confident in real-life situations.
Contact us to book your lesson today and start speaking French the natural way.