Food & drinkIntermediate
Saying no to another drink in English
Everyday English for saying no to another drink. Key line: “I'm good for now—could I just get water, please?”
Full script
Lin
I'm good for now—could I just get water, please?
Them
Sure—no more coffee? You've still got a little left.
Lin
Yeah, if I have another cup, I'll start talking faster.
Them
Fair enough. I'll bring water before your words start doing laps.
Lin
Good call. I already ordered pancakes like I was in a race.
Them
I noticed. You said 'syrup' so fast it became one word.
Lin
Exactly. Let's stop at one drink before I narrate the menu.
Them
Deal. One water coming up, and the menu stays silent.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
not now
✓ I'm good for now.Polite: say no for now
Natural and soft when you say no
just water
✓ Could I just get water, please?Polite way to ask for only water
just = only / that's enough
one more cup
✓ If I have another cup...Give a reason first
A reason makes it softer
one drink
✓ Let's stop at one drink.Set the limit at one
stop at + number/amount
Quick answers
not now: what to say in English
Say “I'm good for now.” — polite: say no for now. Natural and soft when you say no.
just water: what to say in English
Say “Could I just get water, please?” — polite way to ask for only water. just = only / that's enough.
one more cup: what to say in English
Say “If I have another cup...” — give a reason first. A reason makes it softer.
one drink: what to say in English
Say “Let's stop at one drink.” — set the limit at one. stop at + number/amount.