I don't think so
Polite disagreement
Use it to disagree without being rude or starting an argument.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to say no or disagree with someone.
- Softer than a direct 'no' to keep conversations friendly.
- Works in almost any situation, from work to home.
Signification
This is a soft way to say 'no' when you disagree or think someone is wrong. It sounds much friendlier than just saying a flat 'no'.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Checking a schedule with a friend
I don't think so; the movie starts at eight, not seven.
I don't think so; the movie starts at eight, not seven.
A boss asking if a project is finished
I don't think so, I still need one more hour.
I don't think so, I still need one more hour.
Texting about a party invitation
I don't think so, I'm feeling pretty tired tonight.
I don't think so, I'm feeling pretty tired tonight.
Contexte culturel
This phrase reflects the 'politeness strategy' common in Western cultures where direct 'no' answers are seen as harsh. It became a pop-culture staple in the 1990s through various sitcoms and catchphrases, often used with a specific rhythmic emphasis to show sass or firm disagreement.
Watch your tone
If you say it with a rising tone at the end, it sounds like a question. If you say it with a falling tone, it sounds like a firm but polite 'no'.
Don't sound too unsure
If you are 100% sure about something dangerous, don't use this. Use a strong 'No' to ensure safety.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to say no or disagree with someone.
- Softer than a direct 'no' to keep conversations friendly.
- Works in almost any situation, from work to home.
What It Means
I don't think so is your go-to tool for polite disagreement. It means you have a different opinion or believe something is incorrect. It is softer than a blunt No. It suggests you are sharing your personal thought, not a hard fact. This makes people feel less attacked during a conversation.
How To Use It
Use it when someone asks a question or makes a statement you disagree with. You can use it alone as a full sentence. You can also add a reason after it. For example: I don't think so, because the store is closed. It works perfectly in spoken English and casual emails. Just keep your voice calm and steady.
When To Use It
Use it at work when a boss suggests a deadline that is too short. Use it with friends when they ask if you like a weird movie. It is great for checking facts politely. If a friend says, "Is it raining?", and you see sun, say I don't think so. It keeps the vibe chill and friendly.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in high-stakes emergencies. If someone asks, "Is the building on fire?", don't be polite—just say Yes!. Also, don't use it if you want to be 100% firm and unmoving. It can sometimes sound a bit unsure. If you are certain, a simple No might be better. Don't use it to be sarcastic unless you know the person well.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, often avoid direct confrontation. We love to 'buffer' our negatives. I don't think so is a classic 'buffer' phrase. It protects the other person's feelings. It’s a way of being 'nice' even when you are saying someone is wrong. It’s the ultimate social lubricant for small disagreements.
Common Variations
If you want to be even softer, try I'm not so sure. For a more casual vibe, you might hear I don't think so, buddy. In professional settings, people often say I don't believe so. If you are feeling extra polite, add Actually at the beginning. Actually, I don't think so sounds very sophisticated and gentle.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is incredibly versatile and fits into almost any social or professional situation. The only 'gotcha' is to ensure your body language matches the polite intent—a smile or a neutral face helps keep it friendly.
Watch your tone
If you say it with a rising tone at the end, it sounds like a question. If you say it with a falling tone, it sounds like a firm but polite 'no'.
Don't sound too unsure
If you are 100% sure about something dangerous, don't use this. Use a strong 'No' to ensure safety.
The 'Actually' trick
Native speakers often add `Actually` before the phrase to sound more authoritative yet still polite. Try: `Actually, I don't think so.`
Exemples
6I don't think so; the movie starts at eight, not seven.
I don't think so; the movie starts at eight, not seven.
Correcting a small detail politely.
I don't think so, I still need one more hour.
I don't think so, I still need one more hour.
Professional way to deliver bad news.
I don't think so, I'm feeling pretty tired tonight.
I don't think so, I'm feeling pretty tired tonight.
Declining an invitation gently.
You want me to jump in the frozen lake? I don't think so!
You want me to jump in the frozen lake? I don't think so!
Used for a humorous, firm refusal.
I don't think so, honey, you've had enough sugar.
I don't think so, honey, you've had enough sugar.
Soft discipline from a parent.
Is there meat in this? I don't think so, but let me check.
Is there meat in this? I don't think so, but let me check.
Expressing uncertainty politely.
Teste-toi
Choose the best response to: 'Is the bank open on Sundays?'
___, they are usually closed on weekends.
`I don't think so` is the natural way to express a polite 'no' based on what you know.
Make the disagreement softer: 'No, that's wrong.'
___, I believe the meeting is in Room 302.
Using `I don't think so` makes the correction feel like a suggestion rather than an attack.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
The 'No' Spectrum
Used with friends
Nah...
The Sweet Spot
I don't think so.
Professional setting
I'm afraid I disagree.
Where to say 'I don't think so'
At the Office
Disagreeing with a plan
With Friends
Correcting a trivia fact
Shopping
Deciding against a purchase
Texting
Declining a late night out
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It is actually one of the most polite ways to disagree in English. It is much softer than saying You are wrong or a simple No.
Yes, it is very common in professional settings. It shows that you have a different opinion without being disrespectful.
I think not is very formal and sounds a bit like a movie villain or an old professor. Stick to I don't think so for everyday life.
Yes! It perfectly expresses that you believe the answer is 'no' but you are open to being corrected.
You can emphasize each word slowly: I. Don't. Think. So. This is often used when someone suggests something totally crazy.
Absolutely. It’s a very common way to decline plans or disagree in a group chat without sounding angry.
No. I hope not means you want the answer to be no. I don't think so means you believe the answer is no.
No, I don't think that usually needs more words after it, like I don't think that is a good idea. I don't think so stands alone.
If you want to be firm, use a short, falling intonation. You can also follow it with a clear reason.
In very casual speech, people might just say Don't think so, leaving out the I.
Expressions liées
I'm not so sure
A more hesitant way to disagree.
Not really
A casual way to say 'no' or 'not exactly'.
I doubt it
Used when you think something is unlikely to happen.
I'm afraid not
A very polite, slightly formal way to say no.
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