decline politely; appreciate the thought
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to decline a gift or offer politely (expressing that one appreciates the sentiment but cannot accept the physical item)
formalUsed as a polite formula to decline gifts, food, or hospitality. Literally meaning 'to receive in the heart,' it implies that while the speaker appreciates the giver's kindness, they cannot accept the physical item. Often followed by 了.
Nín您
de的
měi美
yì意
，
wǒ我
xīn心
lǐng领
le了
。
I truly appreciate your kind intentions (but must decline the gift).
Zhè这
lǐ礼
wù物
tài太
guì贵
zhòng重
le了
，
wǒ我
xīn心
lǐng领
le了
，
bù不
néng能
shōu收
。
This gift is too expensive; I appreciate the thought, but I cannot accept it.
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Gǎn感
xiè谢
nín您
de的
yāo邀
qǐng请
，
dàn但
wǒ我
xīn心
lǐng领
le了
，
míng明
tiān天
yǒu有
shì事
qù去
bù不
liǎo了
。
Thank you for the invitation, but I'll have to pass—I have something to do tomorrow.
Nín您
kè客
qi气
le了
，
zhè这
diǎn点
xīn心
yì意
wǒ我
xīn心
lǐng领
le了
。
You are too kind; I appreciate this gesture from the bottom of my heart.