Saying no without saying no: ちょっと…
How Japanese turns down invitations by trailing off.要点The idea
A direct no (いいえ) is rare when turning down invitations or requests: Japanese trails off instead, and everyone understands.ちょっと 難むずかしい です ね。chotto muzukashii desu ne.That's a bit difficult.Often a polite no, especially at work.
考かんがえて おきます。kangaete okimasu.I'll think about it.Can genuinely mean that, but is often a soft no.
また 今度こんど。mata kondo.Maybe next time.
A今日きょう は 行いけません。kyou wa ikemasen.I can't go today.
B今日きょう は ちょっと…kyou wa chotto...Today's a bit…
- A今晩こんばん、 飲のみ に 行いきません か？konban, nomi ni ikimasen ka?Do you want to go for a drink tonight?
- B今晩こんばん は ちょっと…konban wa chotto...Tonight's a bit…
- Aそう です か。 じゃあ、 また 今度こんど。sou desu ka. jaa, mata kondo.I see. Next time, then.