A clear refusal can still be respectful and direct.
The idea
Say no, explain your limit briefly and offer an alternative only if appropriate.
Examples
- Lo siento, no puedo quedarme hasta medianoche.I am sorry, I cannot stay until midnight.
- Ya tengo otro compromiso esta tarde.I already have another commitment this afternoon.
- Puedo ayudarte una hora mañana.I can help you for an hour tomorrow.
- No me resulta posible prestar esa cantidad.I cannot lend that amount.
- Necesito reservar el fin de semana para descansar.I need to keep the weekend free to rest.
- Si te sirve, puedo revisar una página hoy.If that helps, I can review one page today.
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Watch out
A vague promise can sound like agreement; do not offer more than you can do.
Try it yourself
Choose the appropriate word. No ___ quedarme hasta las once. (puedo / lluevo)
Show answer or example answer
puedo
puedo rules out staying late.
Choose the appropriate word. Tengo otro ___ esta noche. (compromiso / paraguas)
Show answer or example answer
compromiso
compromiso gives the reason for the limit.
Choose the appropriate word. Como alternativa, puedo ___ una parte. (hacer / nevar)
Show answer or example answer
hacer
hacer offers a feasible alternative.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the appropriate word. No ___ quedarme hasta las once. (puedo / lluevo)
Choose the appropriate word. Tengo otro ___ esta noche. (compromiso / paraguas)
Choose the appropriate word. Como alternativa, puedo ___ una parte. (hacer / nevar)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
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Decline a request to work late and suggest a feasible alternative.