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không cảm ơn
/koŋ˧ kaːm˧˩ ʔəːn˧/
no thanks
Tôi không muốn nữa, không cảm ơn.
I don't want any more, no thanks.
formal
A polite or neutral way to decline something offered without expressing gratitude.
Anh ấy đưa cho tôi một ly nước nhưng tôi lắc đầu, 'Không cảm ơn.'
He offered me a glass of water, but I shook my head, 'No thanks.'
Nếu cô ấy không thích món quà, cô ấy có thể nói 'không cảm ơn' một cách lịch sự.
If she doesn't like the gift, she can politely say 'no thanks.'
Commonly used in Vietnamese to refuse an offer or gift without sounding rude. Often accompanied by a head shake or hand gesture.
Collocations
nói không cảm ơnto say no thankslắc đầu không cảm ơnto shake head in refusalkhông nhận, không cảm ơnto refuse and say no thanks
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Cultural Context
In Vietnam, declining offers directly can be seen as rude. Always pair 'không cảm ơn' with a smile or slight bow to soften the refusal.
Gold Rule
Politeness Rule
Use 'không cảm ơn' when declining gifts or invitations to show respect, even if you genuinely don't want the item/service.
Word Origin
The phrase 'không cảm ơn' is a direct combination of 'không' (no), 'cảm' (to feel), and 'ơn' (gratitude). It literally translates to 'no feeling of gratitude' but functions as a polite refusal.
Usage Notes
In Vietnamese culture, this phrase is preferred over blunt refusals like 'không' to maintain politeness. It is often used in service interactions, gift exchanges, or when declining food/drinks.
Word Breakdown
không
no
adverbcảm ơn
gratitude
verb phraseTừ Điển Việt Anh