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Accepting and Declining Invitations in Italian
In this lesson, you will learn how to say yes to fun plans and how to politely say no when you are busy. Being polite is very important in Italy!
Accepting an Invitation
To say yes, you can use enthusiastic phrases like:
- Sì, volentieri! (Yes, gladly!)
- Ottimo! (Great!)
- Certamente! (Certainly!)
Declining Politely
To say no, it is polite to start with a regretful phrase like mi dispiace (I'm sorry) before giving your reason:
- Mi dispiace, ma non posso. (I'm sorry, but I can't.)
- Purtroppo sono occupato/a. (Unfortunately, I am busy.)
Common Mistake
Don't just say No flatly, as it can sound rude in Italian. Always add Mi dispiace or an excuse!
Words
volentieri
gladly
Sì, volentieri!Yes, gladly!
mi dispiace
I'm sorry
Mi dispiace, ma non posso.I'm sorry, but I can't.
purtroppo
unfortunately
Purtroppo sono occupato.Unfortunately, I am busy.
occupato
busy (masculine)
Oggi sono occupato.Today I am busy.
libero
free (available)
Sei libero stasera?Are you free tonight?
stasera
tonight
Usciamo stasera?Shall we go out tonight?
forse
maybe
Forse vengo.Maybe I'll come.
domani
tomorrow
Ci vediamo domani.See you tomorrow.
Lessons are prepared with the help of AI.
Patterns
Sì, ___!
Use this to enthusiastically accept an invitation.
Sì, volentieri!Yes, gladly!
Mi dispiace, ma ___.
Use this to politely decline an invitation with an excuse.
Mi dispiace, ma non posso.I'm sorry, but I can't.
Sei libero ___?
Use this to ask someone if they are free at a specific time.
Sei libero stasera?Are you free tonight?