French phrase
Pardonnez-moi, mais non.
Meaning
I'm sorry, but no.
When to use it
A polite way to deny or reject something. It softens a firm refusal and suits formal settings.
Example dialogue
Est-ce vous qui avez pris mes clés ?
Were you the one who took my keys?
Pardonnez-moi, mais non.
I'm sorry, but no.