Rejections in Korean | How to say “No” politely in Korean
- KSJ 쌤
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
안녕하세요 리더님! Koreanstudyjunkie입니다~
In this lesson, I want to teach you how Koreans reject people in a polite way and how to respond to rejections in Korean. Note that this lesson is more about the culture aspect of rejections than it is any specific grammar points.
Everything that you see here was taken from my Group Speaking Class, where we choose a theme (like rejection) and learn vocabulary, phrases, and grammar surrounding that theme and roleplay different scenarios. If you’d like to increase your speaking skills, read more here. It includes the schedule for our lessons:
Rejections (in Korean)
Use indirect, softening grammar patterns and vague excuses.
The grammar I mention below is used quite often in these scenarios!
-기는 좀 그렇다 / -기는 그런데…
Used to gently disagree or hesitate.
→ softens the rejection; sounds polite and indirect.
지금 가기는 좀 그래요.
→ It’s a bit hard to go right now.
그건 사기는 좀 그런데요.
→ I feel a bit uncomfortable buying that.
만나기는 좀 그럴 것 같아요.
→ I don’t think it’s a good idea to meet.
Note: “좀 그렇다” is the ultimate hedge — it never says no, but means no.
-(으)ㄹ 것 같아요
Used for polite uncertainty or soft refusal.
오늘은 어려울 것 같아요. → I don’t think I can today.
그건 안 될 것 같아요. → I don’t think that’ll work.
Sounds softer than “안 돼요” (too direct).
-기는 하지만…
“Although (I want to / it’s good), but…”
Used to politely reject while showing understanding.
좋기는 하지만 지금은 좀… → It’s nice, but not right now…
가기는 하지만 오래 못 있을 것 같아요. → I’ll go, but I can’t stay long.
-(으)ㄹ게요
When you don’t want to accept but still stay kind:
나중에 볼게요. → “I’ll see it later” (a polite way to avoid now)
다음에 갈게요. → “I’ll go next time” = soft no / deferment
-(으)ㄹ까요? + vague excuse
Used to suggest hesitation or deflect politely.
다음에 하는 게 어때요? → How about next time?
다른 날 만나는 게 좋지 않을까요? → Wouldn’t another day be better?
MORE USEFUL EXPRESSIONS:
지금은 좀 어려울 것 같아요.
→ It might be difficult right now.
마음은 고마운데요…
→ I really appreciate it, but…
이번에는 괜찮아요.
→ I’ll pass this time.
다음에 기회가 되면요.
→ Maybe next time, if there’s a chance.
일단 생각해 볼게요.
→ I’ll think about it (→ polite no).
마음만 받을게요.
→ I’ll just accept your thought (not the gift).
너무 비싸서 부담돼요.
→ It’s too expensive, I’d feel uncomfortable.
일부러 그러지 마세요.
→ Please don’t go out of your way for me.
미안해요, 그날은 좀…
→ Sorry, that day’s a bit… (vague rejection).
이번에는 패스할게요.
→ I’ll pass this time.
지금은 여유가 없어요.
→ I don’t have the time right now.
좋은 사람이지만 그런 감정은 없어요.
→ You’re a good person, but I don’t feel that way.
그냥 친구로 지내고 싶어요.
→ I’d rather stay friends.
죄송하지만 도와드리기 어려워요.
→ I’m sorry, but it’ll be hard to help.
지금은 좀 부담돼요.
→ It feels like a bit too much right now.
나중에 꼭 할게요.
→ I’ll definitely do it next time.
그건 좀 아닌 것 같아요.
→ I don’t think that’s quite right.
나 그건 별로야.
→ I’m not really into that.
안 땡겨요.
→ I’m not feeling it.
괜찮아요, 정말 괜찮아요.
→ It’s okay, really. (→ polite refusal / reassurance)
Responding to Rejection
In Korean culture, saving face and keeping the relationship smooth is key.
괜찮아요 / 이해해요
괜찮아요, 이해해요. → It’s okay, I understand.
괜찮아요, 다음에 봐요. → It’s okay, let’s meet next time.
아쉬워요 / 섭섭하지만 괜찮아요
아쉬워요. 그래도 괜찮아요. → That’s a shame, but it’s okay.
섭섭하지만 어쩔 수 없죠. → It’s disappointing, but it can’t be helped.
어쩔 수 없죠 / 다음 기회에요
어쩔 수 없죠. → It is what it is.
다음 기회에요. → Next time!
고마워요 / 신경 써줘서 감사해요
→ Use when rejected kindly or offered something you can’t take.
신경 써줘서 고마워요. → Thanks for thinking of me.
괜찮아요, 그래도 마음이 정말 고마워요. → It’s okay, but I really appreciate the thought.
OR UTILIZE WHAT WE LEARNED IN THE CONFLICT / CONFLICT RESOLUTION LESSON
ROLE-PLAY PROMPTS
Here are some roleplay prompts that we used in my group class if you’re curious, or want to try it out for yourself!
1). Your friend invites you to watch a movie this weekend, but you’re too busy.
2). Someone gives you an expensive gift, but you don’t feel comfortable accepting it.
3). A coworker keeps offering you food or drinks even though you’re full.
4). A classmate confesses that they like you, but you don’t feel the same way.
5). Someone offers to help you, but you’d rather do it yourself.
6). A colleague invites you out for drinks after work, but you don’t want to go.
7). A friend asks to borrow money, but you can’t lend any right now.
8). Your group invites you to join a karaoke night, but you don’t want to participate.
9). A salesperson tries to sell you something you don’t need.
10). A friend asks you to do them a favor, but you’re too busy to help.
Thanks for reading through this lesson — that’s all for this post! If you’d like to join one of my group classes and experience thus firsthand, here is the link to join:
Each week we meet on Saturday (and occasionally on Sundays)! We choose a theme for the class and learn phrases, vocabulary, and grammar related to that theme. Most importantly, we practice speaking using what we’ve learned and roleplay together.
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