VOA一分鐘英語：英國人通常如何禮貌地說 “no”？

英國人在日常口語交流中，并不習慣直接用單詞 “no” 去拒絕他人的要求或邀請。他們通常會選擇更含蓄的方式委婉地表達自己的態(tài)度。
 
Hi, I'm Phil and I'm going to tell you a little secret about British people. And it's that we're not great at saying no.
So if you want to say no like a Brit, remember not to be too direct.
We don't actually like saying no, so start by saying how bad it is, or apologise.
Unfortunately…
I'm afraid…
Sorry, but…
OK, so now they know you don't want to do it, tell them why you have to do this terrible thing.
Unfortunately, I'm not able to come tonight.
I'm afraid that's not possible.
Sorry, but I don't think that's a good idea.
OK, now the bad stuff is out of the way, suggest an alternative.
Unfortunately, I'm not able to come tonight. Let's try next week!
I'm afraid that's not possible, but I've got another idea.
So – just remember, not too direct, apologise, say why and suggest an alternative.
 
用法總結(jié)
英國人為了禮貌地拒絕別人，常使用這樣的表達結(jié)構(gòu)：
1. 道歉 （對不起……不好意思……真不巧……）
2. 陳述拒絕的原因 （我不能……我沒法……這不行）
3. 給對方一個替代方案（改天……找別人……我有其它主意……）