第一篇:《应用英文》老美婉拒和解窘的说法(二)
《應用英文》老美婉拒和解窘的說法
(二)Thank you for your kind letter inviting us.We would enjoy seeing you again.However, we’ll be out of town next week.So we’ll have to say no this time.謝謝來信邀請我們。本來我們會很高興再與你們相會,不過下周我們將要出城遠行,所以這次只好說不。
Nothing is more disappointing than having to turn down your invitation to your wedding
anniversary party on Saturday, July 5.We are forced to do this because for that evening we have invited some friends to have dinner with us.沒有什麼事比婉拒你們邀請參加7月5日周六的結婚周年紀念宴會更遺憾。我們這麼做是因為那天晚上我們已經請了幾位朊友一齊吃飯。
I feel sorry that I shall not be able to join you for lunch on Saturday May 10.I have a doctor appointment that afternoon.Many thanks for asking me.真對不起我不能參加你5月10日的午餐。那天下午我有醫生約會。謝謝你的邀請。
We appreciate your attractive invitation to spend an evening at your home on July second.We can't think of a better way to spend an evening.Unfortunately, we have already accepted an invitation to our son’s home.Therefore, it would be impossible for us to be there with you.謝謝你們邀我們7月2日傍晚到府上作客,這邀請真吸引人。我們想不出渡過一晚更好的方式。但很遺憾,我們已答應兒子的邀請到他家去,所以不能與你們相聚。
We wish we could say yes to your kind invitation for your retirement gathering on April 10.We appreciate very much your inviting us.我們真盼望能答應參加你們4月10日的退休聚會。我們感謝你的親切邀請。
Your pleasant invitation arrived today, and much as I regret it, I must decline.Lilly and I had already planned to spend next weekend with our daughter in Virginia.It would be so nice to see all of you.Thank you anyway.你那令人高興的邀請,今天收到。但真抱歉,我必須婉謝。因為內人和我已經計劃到維州女兒家渡周末。如能見到你們大家該多好!不管如何,謝謝你。
(much as I regret it, I must decline.= I sincerely regret that I must decline it.)
It’s with real regret that I shall have to decline your invitation to attend the farewell party for Bob.Under separate mail, I am sending Bob a small gift.I wish him the best for everything in his future career.真抱歉,我必須婉謝你邀請我參加Bob的送別會。我將給Bob另寄一件小禮物,我祝福他將來事業一帆風順。
I must say no very regretfully to your kind invitation.Unfortunately, there is uncertainty as to my husband’s business travel plans.I don’t feel it would be fair to you to delay a definite reply.Perhaps you’ll be king enough to repeat your invitation at some other time.十分抱歉,我必須婉謝你親切的邀請。不料我老公的公務旅行計劃尚未確定。如果拖延給你確定的答覆,對你是不公平的。希望下次你能再度地親切邀請。
Thank you for asking me to speak at the multi-cultural event.I was honored to be asked to represent the Chinese community;however, I must decline this time.I would be glad to be of service on another occasion.謝謝你邀請我在多元文化活動上演講。你請我代表華人社區,感到榮幸。不過這次我必須婉謝,我願意在其他場合為你效勞。
Because of several other commitments, I’m unable to accept your invitation, but I’m sure you'll find a well-qualified speaker for this special occasion.由於我其他幾個允諾,我無法領受你的邀請。不過我相信你能為這次的特別場合找到更勝任的演講人。
Thank you for inviting me to participate in the U.S.-China Friendship Conference.I’m flattered that you thought of me.Because of other commitments, I regret to say I’m unable to accept your invitation.I feel sure you’ll find the right person for this meeting.謝謝你邀請我參加中美友誼會議。你能想到我,感到榮幸。由於其他的允諾,很抱歉,我無法赴會。不過我想你能找到合適的人參加這次會議。
(2)婉拒要求幫助(declining requests for assistance):
不能幫助別人請求時,老外也有簡單的方式婉拒。
例如:
I am sorry not to be able to assist you on this matter.I hope you can make other arrangements.很抱歉,這件事我無法幫忙,我希望你能想其他方法。
I sympathize with your request and(I)wish I could help.我很體諒你的要求;我真盼望我能幫你。
I wish I could be more helpful, but it’s just not possible right now.我真盼望我能對你有所幫助,但目前沒有可能。
(I wish I could……表示無能為力的假設語態)
Unfortunately, your request for assistance comes at a particularly difficult time for me.真是不巧,你要求協助的時間,對我特別感到困難。
I appreciate your asking me to help with your problem.I hope I’ll have the opportunity of saying yes at some other time.謝謝你要我幫你解決問題,我希望下次我有機會能夠答應。
It’s particularly difficult for me to turn down your request this time.Under other circumstances, I would be very happy to assist you.這次婉拒你的要求,對我來說特別困難。不過在其他情況下,我會樂於協助。
I will see what I can do.You know I will try my best to assist you in whatever way possible.(或possible way)
我會看看我能做什麼。你曉得我會在任何可能情況下幫你。
It’s very difficult to say no to you as you can imagine, but I am not in a position to approve your proposal.你能想像,對你說不十分困難,但以我的職責,無法批准你的提議。
Sorry, I am not in a position to do that for you;my hands are tied.抱歉,以我的職位與立場,無能為力。
(my hands are tied = beyond my power)(/懷中)