結構です
kekkou desu
No, thank you; That's enough
Phrase in 30 Seconds
A versatile, polite way to say 'No thank you' or 'I'm fine as I am' in Japanese.
- Means: 'That is fine' or 'No thank you' depending on the context.
- Used in: Declining plastic bags, refills, or unwanted help politely.
- Don't confuse: It rarely means 'Yes' when offered something new.
Explanation at your level:
뜻
Politely declining an offer or indicating satisfaction.
문화적 배경
The phrase reflects the 'Uchi-Soto' (Inside-Outside) dynamic. By using formal language like 'Kekkou,' you maintain a polite distance from 'Soto' (outside) people like shopkeepers. In Kyoto, 'Kekkou desu' can be famously indirect. If a host asks if you want more tea, they might be subtly hinting that it's time for you to leave. Saying 'Kekkou desu' accepts the hint. It is used to 'soften' a rejection. Instead of saying a project is 'rejected,' a manager might say 'Kekkou desu' to mean 'We are fine as we are (without this project).' The word retains its original meaning of 'splendid' or 'excellent' here. It is used to praise the tea, the tools, and the atmosphere.
The Hand Wave
When saying 'Kekkou desu' to decline, a small, polite hand wave (palm facing the person, moving side to side) makes your intent 100% clear.
Don't be too loud
Saying it too loudly can sound like an angry 'That's enough!' Keep your voice soft and gentle.
뜻
Politely declining an offer or indicating satisfaction.
The Hand Wave
When saying 'Kekkou desu' to decline, a small, polite hand wave (palm facing the person, moving side to side) makes your intent 100% clear.
Don't be too loud
Saying it too loudly can sound like an angry 'That's enough!' Keep your voice soft and gentle.
The 'Already' nuance
Adding 'もう' (mou) before it makes it clear you are finished with something (like a meal).
셀프 테스트
Match the meaning of '{結構|けっこう}です' to the situation.
A clerk asks if you want a receipt. You say '{結構|けっこう}です'.
In a service context, it almost always means you are declining the offer.
Fill in the blank to politely decline a refill of water.
お{水|みず}のお{代|か}わりはいかがですか？ — いいえ、( )です。
{結構|けっこう}です is the standard polite refusal.
Which of these is the most appropriate way to approve a subordinate's report?
部下|ぶか}の{報告書|ほうこくしょ}をチェックして、OKを{出|だ}すとき：
While 'da' is possible for a boss, 'desu' is safer and very common for professional approval.
Complete the dialogue at a high-end restaurant.
Staff: お{味|あじ}はいかがでしょうか？ Customer: ( )
'Taihen kekkou desu' means 'It is excellent/wonderful.' 'Mou kekkou desu' would mean 'I've had enough! (Take it away).'
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Where to use 'Kekkou desu'
Shopping
- • Plastic bags
- • Receipts
- • Point cards
Dining
- • Water refills
- • Extra rice
- • More sake
Office
- • Help with work
- • Approving drafts
- • Meeting times
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, but only when you are confirming that something is acceptable or satisfactory, like a plan or a piece of work. It almost never means 'Yes, please' when offered a gift or food.
Not at all! It is actually very polite. It's much better than just saying 'No' or ignoring them.
'Kekkou' is more formal and specific to 'sufficiency.' 'Daijoubu' is more casual and can mean 'I'm okay,' 'No problem,' or 'Safe.'
Yes, if they offer you something. But don't use it to tell them their lesson was 'good'—that's rude!
'Da' is the informal version of 'Desu.' You might hear older men or bosses use it, but as a learner, stick to 'Desu.'
In very casual situations, people just say 'Kekkou!' but it's rare. Usually, people switch to 'Ii' or 'Iranai' for short forms.
You can say 'せっかくですが、{結構|けっこう}です' (It's kind of you to offer, but I'm fine).
Yes, 'もう{結構|けっこう}です' is a very common way to signal you are finished eating.
Technically 'Kekkou dewa arimasen,' but nobody says that. If something isn't fine, use 'Dame' or 'Yoku nai.'
Constantly! Especially by polite characters, villains being dismissive, or servants.
관련 표현
大丈夫です
similarI'm okay / It's fine.
いいです
similarIt's good / No thanks.
足ります
builds onIt is enough.
結構なことです
specialized formThat is a good thing.
어디서 쓸까?
At the Supermarket
Clerk: {袋|ふくろ}にお{入|い}れしますか？
You: いいえ、{結構|けっこう}です。
Business Meeting
Colleague: このスケジュールでいいですか？
Boss: はい、それで{結構|けっこう}です。
Dinner Party
Host: もっとビールはいかがですか？
Guest: あ、もう{結構|けっこう}です。ごちそうさまでした。
On the Street
Promoter: チラシをどうぞ！
You: あ、{結構|けっこう}です。
At a Cafe
Staff: お{砂糖|さとう}とミルクはご{利用|りよう}ですか？
You: いいえ、{結構|けっこう}です。ブラックで。
Receiving a Gift
Friend: これ、つまらないものですが。
You: まあ、こんなに{結構|けっこう}なものを！
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Cake Oh!' (Kekkou). If someone offers you a second cake, you say 'Kekkou!' because you're already full and satisfied.
Visual Association
Imagine a perfectly built Japanese pagoda. It is so complete and beautiful that adding even one more brick would ruin it. It is 'Kekkou' (perfectly sufficient).
Rhyme
When you've had your fill, and want to be still, say Kekkou desu with a polite will.
Story
You are at a fancy Japanese dinner. The host offers you more sake. You look at your glass, which is still half full, and think about how 'splendid' (Kekkou) the evening is. You don't want to change a thing, so you say 'Kekkou desu' to keep the moment perfect.
Word Web
챌린지
Next time you go to a convenience store, consciously decide NOT to take a bag and say '{結構|けっこう}です' to the clerk.
In Other Languages
No, gracias / Está bien
Spanish requires a 'No' to be clear, whereas 'Kekkou' can imply 'No' on its own.
Ça va / Non merci
French 'Ça va' is much more informal than 'Kekkou desu'.
Passt schon / Danke, nein
German is generally more direct; 'Danke, nein' is the standard for refusal.
I'm good / That's fine
English 'I'm good' is informal, while 'Kekkou desu' is formal.
شكراً، لا (Shukran, la) / تمام (Tamam)
Arabic culture often values hospitality where multiple refusals are expected; 'Kekkou' is more final.
不用了 (Bùyòngle) / 还可以 (Hái kěyǐ)
Chinese 'Bùyòngle' is slightly more direct than the 'splendid' nuance of 'Kekkou'.
괜찮아요 (Gwaenchanh-ayo)
Korean 'Gwaenchanh-ayo' is used across all formality levels, whereas 'Kekkou' is specific.
Tô de boa / Não, obrigado
Portuguese equivalents are either very informal or very literal.
Easily Confused
Learners often mix up 'Kekkou desu' (No) with 'Ii desu yo' (Yes/Sure).
The 'yo' at the end usually signals an enthusiastic 'Yes' or 'Sure, go ahead!'
Knowing when it means 'No' vs 'Yes (it's fine)'.
If someone is *offering* you something new, it's 'No.' If someone is *asking for confirmation* on something already done, it's 'Yes.'
자주 묻는 질문 (10)
Yes, but only when you are confirming that something is acceptable or satisfactory, like a plan or a piece of work. It almost never means 'Yes, please' when offered a gift or food.
Not at all! It is actually very polite. It's much better than just saying 'No' or ignoring them.
'Kekkou' is more formal and specific to 'sufficiency.' 'Daijoubu' is more casual and can mean 'I'm okay,' 'No problem,' or 'Safe.'
Yes, if they offer you something. But don't use it to tell them their lesson was 'good'—that's rude!
'Da' is the informal version of 'Desu.' You might hear older men or bosses use it, but as a learner, stick to 'Desu.'
In very casual situations, people just say 'Kekkou!' but it's rare. Usually, people switch to 'Ii' or 'Iranai' for short forms.
You can say 'せっかくですが、{結構|けっこう}です' (It's kind of you to offer, but I'm fine).
Yes, 'もう{結構|けっこう}です' is a very common way to signal you are finished eating.
Technically 'Kekkou dewa arimasen,' but nobody says that. If something isn't fine, use 'Dame' or 'Yoku nai.'
Constantly! Especially by polite characters, villains being dismissive, or servants.
