Politely refusing 婉言拒绝

Episode 16 - Slimy Limey 油嘴滑舌

Anna and Denise are flapping following the call from Mr Lime asking Anna out to lunch. She wants to say no, but doesn’t want to sound rude.

Her dilemma is how to turn him down politely. She finally plucks up the courage to call him, but how does he respond?

听力挑战

What excuse does Anna give Seb Lime for not going to lunch with him?

Anna 以什么理由拒绝了Lime 先生的午餐邀请？

Answer on the last page of the script. 答案在文字稿最后一页。

Language for politely refusing 婉言拒绝他人请求的语言

This week's programme focuses on politely refusing a request to do something.

Phrases from the programme:

Thank you for your offer. But I'm really sorry, I won't be able to.

谢谢你的邀请。不过我真的没法儿去。

I'm afraid it’s against company policy

抱歉，这是公司的规矩，不能违反。

It wouldn't be appropriate.

这个不合适/不恰当。

With regret, I'm going to have to say no.

非常遗憾，我得说不。