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
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제A 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
