Italian Phrase
No, grazie, stiamo bene.
Meaning
Literally ‘No, thank you, we are fine.’ It’s a courteous way to turn down an offer—whether food, a drink, a suggestion, or help—while reassuring the speaker that you’re doing well.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone offers you something you don’t need or want, especially in informal or semi‑formal settings. It works well with friends, family, waitstaff, or even strangers offering assistance.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nograziestiamobene
No
Simple negation used to refuse or decline something.
grazie
Literally ‘thanks’; placed after a negative to soften the refusal.
stiamo
First‑person plural present of stare (to be/feel). Used for temporary states.
bene
Adverb meaning ‘well’ or ‘fine’; follows stare to describe a condition.
🗨In Conversation
Vuoi un altro caffè?
Would you like another coffee?
No, grazie, stiamo bene.
No, thank you, we are fine.
✕Common Mistakes
No, grazie, siamo bene.
‘Siamo bene’ is ungrammatical; use ‘stiamo bene’ because ‘stare’ expresses temporary states.
No grazie stiamo bene.
Leaving out the comma can make the sentence sound rushed; the pause after ‘grazie’ is natural in spoken Italian.
No, grazie, stiamo bene?
Adding a question mark changes the meaning to a question; the phrase is a statement, not a query.
↔Alternatives
No, grazie, sto bene.
No, thank you, I am fine.
No, grazie, siamo a posto.
No, thank you, we’re all set.
No, grazie, non serve.
No, thank you, it’s not needed.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, refusing an offer without a ‘grazie’ can sound blunt. Adding ‘grazie’ shows respect and appreciation, even if you’re saying no. Also, Italians often use the plural ‘stiamo bene’ when speaking on behalf of a group, even if the group is just two people.