[ti:Saying ‘No’ Politely] [by:www.51voa.com] [00:00.00]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM [00:01.92]Today, we answer a question from Ryan in China. [00:06.04]He writes: [00:08.88]When I want to say "no" with more politeness, [00:12.08]what are other expressions I can use? [00:15.92]Here are some examples about the situation: [00:19.56]When the teacher asks me, "Do you have any questions?" [00:24.04]Or when the flight attendant asks me. "Do you need coffee?" [00:29.20]Thanks! – Ryan. [00:32.32]Dear Ryan, [00:33.72]Thank you for your question. [00:36.60]Most Americans speak directly [00:38.96]and are not afraid to say "No" in many situations. [00:43.56]But we do have ways to be polite [00:45.84]-- or show respect for another's feelings. [00:49.76]The simplest way to be polite is to say, "No, thank you." [00:54.36]Let us look at some other polite ways to say "no." [00:57.56]In the case of a teacher asking, "Do you have any questions?" [01:02.56]you may want to answer this way: [01:06.20]No, I do not have any, because your lesson was very clear. [01:12.28]Another answer you may give is: [01:15.24]Not now, but I might have some later when I try to do the assignment. [01:22.00]This leaves open the possibility of asking questions on the subject later. [01:27.80]On a plane when a flight attendant asks, "Do you need coffee?" [01:33.24]you may hear this answer: [01:36.04]Thanks, I'm fine. [01:38.20]Note that the speaker does not use the word "no" [01:41.96]but still sends the message that coffee is not wanted. [01:46.80]Another answer would suggest something else the attendant can bring. [01:51.96]No thanks, but I would like some water. [01:56.12]I think that saying "no" may be more difficult in other situations, [02:02.24]such as when a friend asks you for a favor. [02:05.76]In this case, Americans would usually explain why they cannot help. [02:12.04]Here is an example: [02:13.96]Ryan, can I borrow your bicycle tomorrow? [02:19.64]No, I'm sorry, but I need it to go to my job. [02:25.56]It is also difficult to say "no" to an invitation. [02:29.20]We might say we would like to accept it to be polite. [02:34.44]Listen to this example: [02:36.28]Ryan, can you join us for dinner Saturday? [02:42.16]I wish I could, but I have other plans. [02:47.40]Here, you express the idea that you want to accept the invitation [02:51.60]but you do not need to give details of your plan. [02:55.92]I hope this helps the next time you want [02:58.00]to give a polite answer to a question, Ryan. [03:01.88]And that's Ask a Teacher. [03:04.56]What question do you have about American English? [03:08.72]Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com [03:14.24]I'm Jill Robbins. 更多听力请访问51VOA.COM