Application: A polite decline

Practise a polite decline, then follow up with a clarification or confirmation.

Practise a polite decline, then follow up with a clarification or confirmation.

Use a short, polite question to start an introduction, then acknowledge the reply before following up. Match the amount of personal detail to the relationship.

The first two examples come from the linked conversation. The third adds a follow-up. Notice the movement from opening request to response and clarification.

Practical examples

Can you join us for dinner tonight?

هل يمكنك الانضمام إلينا على العشاء الليلة؟

Explore the expression in context

I have another commitment, but I would love to come next week.

لدي التزام آخر، لكنني أود الحضور الأسبوع المقبل.

Explore the expression in context

Thank you for understanding; I would be happy to arrange another time.

شكرًا لتفهمك؛ يسعدني ترتيب موعد آخر.

Check your understanding

1. Choose the closest Arabic meaning of this expression: Can you join us for dinner tonight?
2. Choose the English expression that matches this meaning: شكرًا لتفهمك؛ يسعدني ترتيب موعد آخر.