Respond warmly to an invitation even when you cannot attend.
The idea
誘ってくれてありがとうございます thanks someone for inviting you. 予定があります gives an existing commitment; 今回は行けません makes the refusal clear. また別の日に会えますか proposes another day.
Examples
- 誘ってくれて、ありがとうございます。Thank you for inviting me.
- その日はもう予定があります。I already have plans that day.
- すみません、今回は行けません。Sorry, I can’t go this time.
- 残念ですが、その日は仕事があります。I’m sorry, but I have work that day.
- また別の日に会えますか。Could we meet another day?
- また今度、誘ってください。Please invite me again sometime.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No Japanese device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
ちょっと can hint at a refusal, but it may be unclear on its own. Say 行けません when you need to make your answer unmistakable; suggest another day only if you mean it.
Try it yourself
誘ってくれて、＿＿ございます。（ありがとう／さようなら）
Show answer or example answer
ありがとう
ありがとう completes the polite expression of thanks, ありがとうございます.
その日は予定が＿＿。（あります／います）
Show answer or example answer
あります
予定 is a thing or event, so あります expresses that you have plans.
すみません、今回は＿＿。（行けません／行きます）
Show answer or example answer
行けません
行けません means you cannot go; 行きます would accept rather than decline.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
誘ってくれて、＿＿ございます。（ありがとう／さようなら）
その日は予定が＿＿。（あります／います）
すみません、今回は＿＿。（行けません／行きます）
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
Sign up for free to save your practice results in your account.
Sign up to saveI already have an accountUse it today
Say the exchange aloud: thank your host, explain your conflict and decline. Then offer another day if you want to meet.