Korean · Real conversations
Decline an invitation naturally in Korean
A clear decline helps the host plan. Acknowledge the invitation, explain an existing commitment if you want to, or suggest a new time when you genuinely want to meet.
Three ways to say it
초대해 주셔서 고마워요. 하지만 갈 수 없어요.chodaehae jusyeoseo gomawoyo. hajiman gal su eopseoyo.
Thanks for inviting me, but I can't come.
Give a clear thanks and decline without inventing a reason.
가고 싶지만 이미 약속이 있어요.gago sipjiman imi yaksogi isseoyo.
I'd love to, but I already have plans.
Express interest while explaining that you already have plans.
이번에는 못 가요. 다음 주에 만날 수 있을까요?ibeoneneun mot gayo. daeum jue mannal su isseulkkayo?
I can't make it this time. Could we meet next week?
Decline this occasion and offer a specific opportunity to meet later.
Avoid translating word by word
English 'I can't make it' means you cannot attend, not that you cannot manufacture something. Use the complete attendance expression shown in the target language.
See the difference in context
A Saturday party invitation
토요일에 제 파티에 오실 수 있어요?toyoire je patie osil su isseoyo?
Can you come to my party on Saturday?
초대해 주셔서 고마워요. 하지만 갈 수 없어요.chodaehae jusyeoseo gomawoyo. hajiman gal su eopseoyo.
Thanks for inviting me, but I can't come.
A dinner invitation that conflicts with plans
내일 같이 저녁 드실래요?naeil gachi jeonyeok deusillaeyo?
Would you like to have dinner tomorrow?
가고 싶지만 이미 약속이 있어요.gago sipjiman imi yaksogi isseoyo.
I'd love to, but I already have plans.
Your turn
You cannot attend this time, but you would like to meet. Decline and suggest meeting next week.
Reveal a sample reply
이번에는 못 가요. 다음 주에 만날 수 있을까요?ibeoneneun mot gayo. daeum jue mannal su isseulkkayo?
I can't make it this time. Could we meet next week?
This speaking goal in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
