VOA慢速英语2020--518733ddbcbeafcefa

Today, we answer a question from Ryan in China. He writes:

Question:

When I want to say "no" with more politeness¹, what are other expressions I can use? Here are some examples about the situation: When the teacher asks me, "Do you have any questions?" Or when the flight attendant² asks me. "Do you need coffee?" Thanks! – Ryan.

Answer:

Dear Ryan,

Thank you for your question. Most Americans speak directly³ and are not afraid to say "No" in many situations. But we do have ways to be polite -- or show respect for another's feelings. The simplest way to be polite is to say, "No, thank you." Let us look at some other polite ways to say "no."

Any questions?

In the case of a teacher asking, "Do you have any questions?" you may want to answer this way:

No, I do not have any, because your lesson was very clear.

Another answer you may give is:

Not now, but I might have some later when I try to do the assignment⁴.

This leaves open the possibility of asking questions on the subject later.

More coffee?

On a plane when a flight attendant asks, "Do you need coffee?" you may hear this answer:

Thanks, I'm fine.

Note that the speaker does not use the word "no" but still sends the message that coffee is not wanted. Another answer would suggest something else the attendant can bring.

No thanks, but I would like some water.

More difficult situations

I think that saying "no" may be more difficult in other situations, such as when a friend asks you for a favor⁵. In this case, Americans would usually explain why they cannot help.

Here is an example:

Ryan, can I borrow your bicycle tomorrow?

No, I'm sorry, but I need it to go to my job.

It is also difficult to say "no" to an invitation. We might say we would like to accept it to be polite. Listen to this example:

Ryan, can you join us for dinner Saturday?

I wish I could, but I have other plans.

Here, you express the idea that you want to accept the invitation but you do not need to give details of your plan.

I hope this helps the next time you want to give a polite answer to a question, Ryan.

And that's Ask a Teacher.

What question do you have about American English? Send us an email at [email protected]

Words in This Story

polite – adj. having or showing good manners⁶ or respect for other people

assignment – n. a job or duty that is given to someone; a task someone is required to do

1 politeness   

n.礼貌，客气

参考例句：

• His politeness was only on the surface.他只是表面上客气。
• Although she hated him,she put on a show of politeness.尽管她恨他，但还是装出一副很客气的样子。

2 attendant   

n.随从，跟班，出席者，服务员；adj.伴随的，出席的，注意的，在场的

参考例句：

• She was interrupted by the entrance of an attendant.服务员进来，打断了她的话。
• We met the officer attendant on the general.我们见到了随从将军的副官。

3 directly   

adv.直接地，径直地；马上，立即

参考例句：

• I will telephone you directly I hear the news.我一听到消息，马上打电话给你。
• She answered me very directly and openly.她非常坦率地、开门见山地答复了我。

4 assignment   

n.任务，作业；分配，指定

参考例句：

• His assignment was to follow the spy.分配给他的工作是跟踪这个间谍。
• He has got a new assignment.他得到一项新任命。

5 favor   

n.好感；赞同；好事；vt.赞同，喜爱；有利于

参考例句：

• She is out of favor with her employer.她失去了雇主的欢心。
• The new teacher finds favor in the eyes of the parents.那位新老师很受家长的欢迎。

6 manners   

n.礼貌；规矩

参考例句：

• You should mend your manners.你的态度应当纠正。
• His manners are rough,but he is a kind man at heart.他虽然举止粗鲁，但心地善良。