Saying no politely

• I'd love to, but…ぜひそうしたいのですが〜
• I'm afraid that won't be possible.恐れ入りますが、難しいです。
• I see where you're coming from, but…おっしゃることは分かりますが〜
• How about … instead?代わりに〜はどうですか？

1. 1. Warm-up (5 min)

   Check last homework. Ask the warm-up questions to relax.

   • When was the last time you said no to something?
   • Is saying no harder in English or Japanese?

2. 2. Input (10 min)

   Introduce the key phrases one by one. The student repeats each 3 times; check meaning (short Japanese is OK).

3. 3. Practice (15 min)

   Run the unit's practice activity. Maximize student talking time.

   Softening strategies (thanks + reason + alternative). The tutor gives 6 requests; the student declines each in a different way.

4. 4. Role-play (10 min)

   Tutor plays the other person. Praise when the key phrases are used; fix only 2 things afterwards.

   🎭 Your boss asks you to work this weekend; decline and offer an alternative.

5. 5. Free talk (5 min)

   Use the discussion questions for free conversation.

   • Do Japanese and Western people say no differently?
   • When is it OK to be direct?

6. 6. Wrap-up (5 min)

   Review today's phrases and give the homework. Write the lesson note right after.

   📌 Write 2 messages declining politely (work and friend)断りのメッセージを2通（仕事・友だち）書く

25-minute lessons: skip step 5 and shorten steps 3 and 4.