say no

IPA/sˈeɪ nˈəʊ/
IPA/sˈeɪ nˈoʊ/

say no — idiom

1. to tell someone that you will not accept their offer, agree to their request, or

1.慣用語A2
釋義

to tell someone that you will not accept their offer, agree to their request, or take part in something they suggest

例句

Ritu said no to the job offer because the salary was too low.

say no to + [noun phrase] for refusing an offer

The bank said no to our loan application for the new café.

inanimate subject: bank / company / government

同義詞
  • refuse

    single-word alternative, slightly more direct and formal; often used without an object

  • turn down

    informal phrasal verb, very common in everyday speech; always takes an object

  • decline

    more polite and formal; often used in written or professional contexts

反義詞
  • say yes

    the direct opposite; agreeing to an offer or request

  • accept

    opposite in meaning; agreeing to receive or take something offered

用法筆記

Commonly followed by 'to' when the thing being refused is named: say no to + [something]. The phrase can also stand alone as a complete response.

常見錯誤

❌I said no him when he asked.
✅I said no to him when he asked.
💡'to' is needed before the person or thing you refuse.
❌She said no the proposal.
✅She said no to the proposal.
💡the preposition 'to' must follow 'said no' when specifying what is refused.