結構です or 大丈夫です: Which is Much Stronger to Refuse?
Which words do you use in refusing about an invitation, “結構です” or “大丈夫です”? Although the meaning of both is the absolute same meaning, one of two is more polite than the other. Let me introduce the meaning of both and which one the more polite way to refuse today!
結構です。(kekkou-desu)
No thank you. / 不用 / 괜찮아요 / Đủ rồi
“結構です” means “No thank you.” and which has been for people who refuse an invitation. “結構です” sounds pretty unfriendly and stronger. So native speakers feel that people saying “結構です” might’ve got a little bit angry in people using it. However, if you FRIENDLY say “結構です”, you would be just polite. If not, you would be rather impolite. You should be pretty careful to use “結構です”. When using this, you have to be smiley.


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大丈夫です。(daijoubu-desu)
I’m good now, thanks. / 没关系 / 괜찮습니다 / Không cần đâu
“大丈夫です” means “I’m good now, thanks.” and which has been also used for people who refuse the invitation. “大丈夫です” is the basic refusing word for the invitation. It’s not impolite and you shouldn’t be careful whether you’re saying it friendly or not. So, “大丈夫です” is the better use to refuse it. Native speakers often use this in daily conversations “あっ、大丈夫です。” like this. Somewhat adding “あっ” before “大丈夫です。”, that would be pretty polite than only saying “大丈夫です。”.




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