Spanish · 0:40

Ways to say no in Spanish

Hear several ways to decline in Spanish, from a simple no to more emphatic expressions. Practice a polite refusal.

By Fabling · A shared lesson, free to watch

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What to listen for

No, gracias is enough in many everyday situations. You can add a short reason if you want to.

Play when you’re ready. Subtitles are available in the player.

Read and understand

Spanish from the video

Read the Spanish, then check its English meaning. Listen again when you want to hear the phrasing.

0:05

Hoy no puedo salir.

Today I cannot go out.

0:09

Esta noche no puedo ir porque tengo que estudiar.

Tonight I can't go because I have to study.

0:15

Me encantaría acompañarte, pero hoy se me complica mucho.

I'd love to join you, but today is really complicated for me.

0:22

Hoy paso, de verdad que estoy hasta arriba de trabajo.

I'll pass today, I'm genuinely swamped with work.

0:28

Hoy ni de broma salgo, estoy frito y me quedo en plan tranqui.

No way I'm going out today, I'm dead tired and staying in to chill.

A closer look

No, gracias is enough in many everyday situations. You can add a short reason if you want to.

More emphatic refusals can sound abrupt. Match the expression to the relationship and the request.

The video uses level labels to arrange its examples. Treat these as variations to explore, not a test of your level or a rule that longer phrases are better.

Your turn

Try one reply.

Decline an offer of more coffee politely.

Show an example

No, gracias. — No, thank you.

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