Portuguese · Real conversations

Decline an invitation naturally in Portuguese

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

Obrigado / obrigada pelo convite, mas não posso ir.
Thanks for inviting me, but I can't come.
Give a clear thanks and decline without inventing a reason.
Eu adoraria, mas já tenho planos.
I'd love to, but I already have plans.
Express interest while explaining that you already have plans.
Desta vez não posso. Podemos nos encontrar na semana que vem?
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

Você pode vir à minha festa no sábado?

Can you come to my party on Saturday?

Obrigado / obrigada pelo convite, mas não posso ir.

Thanks for inviting me, but I can't come.

A dinner invitation that conflicts with plans

Você gostaria de jantar comigo amanhã?

Would you like to have dinner tomorrow?

Eu adoraria, mas já tenho planos.

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

Desta vez não posso. Podemos nos encontrar na semana que vem?

I can't make it this time. Could we meet next week?

This speaking goal in other languages

A note on speaking Portuguese

These guides use Brazilian Portuguese. Você is a common everyday address; senhor or senhora may fit a more formal interaction. Eu gostaria and poderia can soften requests without making them complicated.

Keep the accents and nasal spellings, such as não and conexão. Portuguese in Portugal may use different everyday vocabulary or pronouns. The examples aim for broadly understandable Brazilian wording.