Nuance Dictionary / Culture & Language
사양하다 sa-yang-ha-da
To decline politely, to defer out of modesty or consideration
What does 사양하다 mean?
사양하다 (sa-yang-ha-da) means: To decline politely, to defer out of modesty or consideration.
Unlike a blunt refusal, 'sayanghada' carries a warm undercurrent of appreciation. You are declining not because you dislike the offer, but because you care about not burdening the host—making it a ritualistic dance rather than a wall.
🔊 From the story above
체면 — Che-myeon
염치 — yeom-chi
사양하다 — sa-yang-ha-da
권유하다 — gwon-yu-ha-da
배불러서요 — baebulleoseoyo, "Because I'm full..."
안 먹습니다 — an meokseumnida, "I do not eat."
눈치 — noon-chi
마음만 받을게요 — maeumman badeulgeyo, "I'll take your kind heart [as the food]"
How it's actually used
- 이렇게 과분한 상을 받게 되다니 정말 사양하고 싶은 심정입니다.
ireoke gwabunhan sangeul batge doedani jeongmal sayanghago sipeun simjeongimnida.
I feel like I want to humbly decline receiving such an undeserved award.
💡 Use in formal acceptance speeches to show modesty. - 친구가 반찬을 싸준대서 부담스러워 사양하려다 그냥 받아왔어.
chinguga banchaneul ssajundaeseo budamseureowo sayangharyeoda geunyang badawasseo.
My friend offered to pack some side dishes, and though I felt bad and wanted to decline, I just accepted them.
💡 Use when deciding not to turn down a close friend's kind gesture after all. - 선배님이 주시는 거라면 감사히 받겠지만, 이번만큼은 사양하겠습니다.
seonbaenimi jusineun georamyeon gamsahi batgetjiman, ibonmankeumeun sayanghagesseumnida.
If it were from you, sunbae, I'd gladly accept, but I must politely decline this time.
💡 Use with honorifics when turning down an offer from a superior.
Related words in Culture & Language
염치 yeom-chi권유하다 gwon-yu-ha-da엄지척 eom-ji-cheok입덕 ip-deok주휴수당 ju-hyu-su-dang