French · Real conversations
Decline an offer naturally in French
A polite refusal can be brief. Thank the person, answer clearly, and add a reason only when it is useful and true.
Three ways to say it
Non, merci. Ça va.
No, thanks. I'm fine.
Decline a simple offer without adding an explanation.
Merci, mais j'ai déjà mangé.
Thanks, but I've already eaten.
Give a real reason for declining food.
C'est gentil, mais je me débrouille.
That's kind of you, but I can manage.
Acknowledge an offer of assistance while explaining that you can manage.
Avoid translating word by word
English 'I'm fine' may politely mean 'I don't need anything' in response to an offer. A literal statement about your health might leave the offer unanswered, so keep the refusal and thanks clear.
See the difference in context
Being offered another drink
Tu veux une autre boisson ?
Would you like another drink?
Non, merci. Ça va.
No, thanks. I'm fine.
Being offered food after eating
Tu veux quelque chose à manger ?
Would you like something to eat?
Merci, mais j'ai déjà mangé.
Thanks, but I've already eaten.
Your turn
Decline an offer of help. Thank the person and say that you can manage the task.
Reveal a sample reply
C'est gentil, mais je me débrouille.
That's kind of you, but I can manage.
This speaking goal in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
