A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "No thank you" in French
The standard, polite way to decline an offer or invitation in French.
Non merci
nohn mehr-SEEneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone offers you something, like a drink or a service, and you want to politely refuse. It's also perfect for declining an invitation to an event.
Alternatives
- Non, merci beaucoupWhen you want to be extra polite or emphasize your refusal.
- Non, ça va allerWhen you're declining something you genuinely don't need or want.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'n' nasal
Ensure the 'n' in 'non' is nasalized; don't pronounce it like the English 'non'.
Forgetting the space before 'merci'
French punctuation requires a space before 'merci' when it follows 'non'.
A small cultural note
While 'Non merci' is perfectly polite, French culture often values a slightly more elaborate refusal than a simple 'no, thank you' if the offer was significant.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When should I use 'Non merci' instead of just 'Non'?
Always add 'merci' when refusing an offer or invitation. Just saying 'non' can sound abrupt or even rude in French.
Is 'Non merci' okay for friends?
Yes, 'Non merci' is fine for friends, but you might also use more casual phrases depending on your relationship.
What if I want to accept an offer?
If you want to accept, you would say 'Oui, merci' or 'Oui, volontiers' (Yes, gladly).
