Looking up...
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.
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.
Use 'không cảm ơn' when declining gifts or invitations to show respect, even if you genuinely don't want the item/service.
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.
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.