I couldn't possibly
Neutral Polite
What it really means
A ritual first refusal of an offer — the last slice of cake, a favour, a gift. Tradition allows the other person to insist once or twice, after which accepting is perfectly polite.
Chinese explanation
面对好意（最后一块蛋糕、帮忙、礼物）的仪式性初次推辞。按惯例对方会再劝一两次，那之后接受就完全合乎礼貌了。
Example conversation
A: Take the last slice — go on.
B: Oh, I couldn't possibly… well, if you insist.
A：最后一块你拿去——别客气。
B：哎，这怎么好意思……那，恭敬不如从命。
All Politeness Decoder
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake