A rain check Meaning in English
expression · lemma: rain check
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɹeɪn/ /ˈtʃɛk
uh RAYN-chek
æɪ/ /ɹˈeɪn/ /tʃˈɛk
uh RAYN-chek
Definition
This expression is used to politely refuse an invitation, suggesting that you would like to do it at another time instead.
Usage & Nuances
Common in American English, informal, and often used when you genuinely want to accept in the future. Usually paired with social plans ('I'll take a rain check on dinner'). Not used for formal situations.
Spanish: postergar - posponer - dejar para otra ocasiónPortuguese (BR): ficar para depois - remarcar - adiarPortuguese (PT): adiar - marcar para outra alturaChinese (Simplified): 改天（再约） - 延期Chinese (Traditional): 改天（再約） - 延期Hindi: किसी और दिन का वादा - बाद में करनाArabic: تأجيل - موعد آخرBengali: পরে করার কথা বলা - অন্য সময় দেখা করার অনুরোধRussian: перенести встречу - отложить на потомJapanese: また今度誘って（ください） - 今度にするVietnamese: hẹn dịp khác - để lần sauKorean: 다음에 하자고 하기 - 다음 기회Turkish: başka bir zamana ertelemek - teklifini şimdi kabul edememUrdu: کسی دعوت کو مؤخر کرنا - اگلی بار ملنے کا وعدہIndonesian: janji lain waktu - lain kali saja
Example Sentences
Can I take a rain check on lunch today?
basic
Sorry, I have to take a rain check this time.
basic
He said he'll take a rain check on the meeting.
basic
Thanks for inviting me, but I'll have to take a rain check—too much work tonight!
natural
Mind if I take a rain check on that movie?
natural
Let’s take a rain check and meet next week instead.
natural