Learn how to say no politely in English without sounding rude. Practise English conversation for declining invitations, turning down requests, giving a short honest reason, and staying clear when someone asks again.
Join us for a practical English podcast with everyday conversations, word-highlighted subtitles, and pauses for your own speaking practice. If you keep adding explanations or say “maybe” when you mean “no,” this episode will help you find a friendly, clear reply.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL PRACTISE
• Saying no to a request or invitation politely
• Giving a brief, true reason without a long excuse
• Choosing between “I’m not available,” “I already have plans,” and “I’d rather not”
• Responding when someone says, “It’ll only take ten minutes”
• Using a warm tone while keeping your answer clear
• Trying two new situations before hearing example answers
USEFUL ENGLISH PHRASES
“Thanks for asking, but I can’t this time.”
“I’m not available.”
“I already have plans.”
“I won’t be able to…”
“Thanks for asking, but I’d rather not.”
CHAPTERS
00:00 Say no politely without sounding rude
01:14 Why “maybe” can leave the wrong message
02:49 A friendly, clear no
04:13 Saying you’re not available
06:00 “I won’t be able to” and repeated requests
07:23 Practice: stay clear when someone asks again
09:27 Practice: decline an invitation
10:09 Saying “I’d rather not”
11:45 How your tone changes a refusal
12:08 Try your own warm, clear reply
13:52 Final speaking challenge
15:26 Compare your answers
16:21 Your turn: write a polite refusal
YOUR TURN
Write one short refusal in the comments: “Thanks for asking, but I can’t ___ this time.” Replace the space with an action such as help, come, stay, or join. A fictional situation is welcome.
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Watch this episode with English captions on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/kZl0K2_AM00
