Invitations: yes, maybe and a polite no
Saying yes is easy. Saying no without upsetting anyone is the useful skill. Japanese does it by not finishing the sentence: is a complete, polite no. Tap to hear any line. The bar at the bottom plays a hands-free drill for walking.
G
25 words for inviting and answering
Each card shows a word or phrase and a line you'd use with neighbours or friends. Nine reuse words from Everyday Japanese 1 and 2 and Lessons 1 and 2.
M
Yes, not yet, and no
Pick your answer from the table. The no answers all trail off or soften. That's the polite way to do it.
| Answer | Say it | Means |
|---|
- Don't finish the sentence. A flat can sound blunt. ちょっと… or lets the other person fill in the no.
- Thank them first. ('thanks for asking') uses くれる from Everyday Japanese 4. Learn it as a phrase for now.
- A reason, not details. (I've got something on) is enough. Nobody expects to know what it is.
C
Four patterns to use today
Z
Say it in Japanese
Say each one out loud before you reveal the answer. Getting close counts.