Understanding how to say ‘no’ in French is more than just learning words. It’s important to know the cultural and situational context too. In formal situations, you might need to use a polite phrase like ‘Je regrette, mais…’. In casual settings, a simple ‘Pas question’ might be enough. Knowing how to say ‘no’ properly in French is crucial. It makes your conversations smoother and helps you fit in better, no matter where you are. Let’s look at 33 different ways to say ‘no,’ from formal to informal. Learning these phrases can improve your language skills and how others see you in various situations.
Common Phrases to Decline in French
Let’s look at some common ways to say no in French, using simple and direct language. The phrase ‘C’est pas possible’ translates to ‘It’s not possible,’ and it’s straightforward. Another casual phrase, ‘C’est mort,’ is similar to saying ‘it’s a no-go’ and is popular among younger people. In addition to words, French people often use non-verbal signals like shaking their heads or clicking their tongues to say no, especially in casual settings.
| French Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Je suis désolé, mais je ne peux pas. | I’m sorry, but I can’t. |
| Non, merci. | No, thank you. |
| Ce n’est pas possible. | It’s not possible. |
| Je préfère ne pas le faire. | I prefer not to do it. |
| Je n’ai pas le temps. | I don’t have the time. |
| Je ne suis pas intéressé. | I’m not interested. |
| Ça ne va pas marcher pour moi. | That won’t work for me. |
| Je dois refuser poliment. | I must politely decline. |
| Ce n’est pas pour moi. | This isn’t for me. |
| Je ne peux pas m’engager. | I can’t commit. |
| Pas cette fois, désolé. | Not this time, sorry. |
| J’ai d’autres plans. | I have other plans. |
| Non | No |
| Pas du tout | Not at all |
| Impossible | Impossible |
| Non merci | No, thank you |
| Pas encore | Not yet |
| Moi non plus | Me neither |
| Mais non | But no |
| Si | Yes (after a negative question) |
| Je ne sais pas | I don’t know |
| Pas vraiment | Not really |
| Oh, non ! | Oh no! |
| Je ne pense pas | I don’t think so |
| Jamais | Never |
| Bien sûr que non | Of course not |
| Oh que non ! | Definitely not! |
| Absolument pas ! | Absolutely not! |
| Nan | Nope |
| Tu plaisantes ! | You’re kidding! |
| Ça ne marche pas | That doesn’t work |
Polite Ways to Refuse in French
In French, being polite when you say no is all about choosing the right words and phrases. Saying ‘Je suis désolé, mais…’ (I’m sorry, but…) or ‘C’est très gentil de votre part, mais je ne peux pas’ (That’s very kind of you, but I cannot) helps soften a no.
Another common way to refuse politely is ‘Malheureusement, ce n’est pas possible’ (Unfortunately, it’s not possible). These phrases show you care about the other person’s feelings, even when you can’t agree to their request
| French Phrase | English Translation |
| Merci, mais je vais devoir refuser. |
Thank you, but I have to decline. |
| Je suis flatté, mais non merci. |
I’m flattered, but no thanks. |
| Je suis désolé, mais ce n’est pas possible. |
I’m sorry, but it’s not possible. |
| Je préfère ne pas m’engager. |
I prefer not to commit. |
| J’apprécie, mais je ne peux pas. |
I appreciate it, but I can’t. |
| Je dois dire non cette fois-ci. |
I have to say no this time. |
| Je ne suis pas disponible, désolé. |
I’m not available, sorry. |
| Malheureusement, je ne peux pas accepter. |
Unfortunately, I can’t accept. |
| Text Here Merci pour l’offre, mais ce ne sera pas possible. |
Thank you for the offer, but it won’t be possible. |
| Je regrette, mais je dois décliner. |
I regret it, but I have to decline. |
| Ce n’est pas le bon moment pour moi. |
It’s not the right time for me. |
| J’aimerais bien, mais je ne peux pas. |
I would like to, but I can’t. |
Casual and Slang Methods of Saying No
Casual and slang ways to say no in French are pretty laid-back. For example, nan is like saying ‘nope’ or ‘nah’ in English. It’s common among friends or in informal chats.
To strongly say ‘no way,’ you can use pas question or hors de question. If you think someone is joking or you’re amazed by what they say, tu plaisantes ! is the French way to say ‘you’re kidding!’ Also, if something isn’t working out, just say ça ne marche pas. These phrases help you talk like a native, keeping things smooth and straightforward.
| French Phrase | English Translation |
| Non, pas vraiment. |
No, not really. |
| Nan |
Nah |
| Pas question ! |
No way! |
| Laisse tomber. |
Forget it. |
| Ça ne va pas le faire. |
It’s not gonna happen. |
| Hors de question. |
Out of the question. |
| Pas envie. |
Don’t feel like it. |
| Jamais de la vie. |
Not in a million years. |
| Non, c’est mort. |
No, it’s dead (no chance). |
| T’inquiète, non. |
Don’t worry, no. |
| Non, c’est pas mon truc. |
No, it’s not my thing. |
| Désolé, mais non. |
Sorry, but no. |
Also Read: 108 Beautiful French Bird Species, From Owls To Ostriches
Conclusion
We’ve looked at different ways to say ‘no’ in French, from casual to formal. It’s important to know these to communicate well. Whether you need to politely decline an offer or just say ‘no’ in a chat, knowing how to express yourself clearly can help you set boundaries and stay clear in your conversations. Try using these phrases in different situations and mix in some body language to really get a feel for French negation. This doesn’t just help with speaking French better—it also helps you get a deeper understanding of the culture. Keep visiting the Translation Blog to learn any language in no time.
