How to Use “I’m Good!” in English

The Official Jeff McQuillan Halloween Costume

When most Americans say, “I’m good,” they’re not praising (saying something positive about) themselves. They’re not saying they’re not bad.

“I’m good” is actually a casual and common way to say, “No, thank you.”

You can use this idiom in many situations.

You can use it to refuse (say no) an offer politely (nicely), often when you’ve had enough of something already or just don’t need it:

A: “Do you want another beer?”

B: “I’m good, thanks.”

———

A: “Can I help you carry your luggage up the stairs?”

B: “No thanks, I’m good.”

———

A: “Is there something you’re looking for in our store?”

B: “No, I’m good.”

You can also use it sarcastically (jokingly) to refuse an offer:

A: “You need a better hairstyle. Let’s dye (change the color of) your hair green!”

B: “No, I’m good.”

———

A: “Do you want to try my new dish—eggs with peanuts and fish?

B: “Nah, I’m good.”

You can say, “I’m good,” “No, I’m good,” “No thanks, I’m good,” or a similar combination to mean the same thing, adding the “thanks” to be more polite.

In casual situations, you can say, “Nah, I’m good.” Nah is an informal way to say “no.” (We don’t usually use “nah” in formal writing; it’s just the way Americans say it.)

So if someone offers you something you don’t want or don’t need – like maybe a Halloween costume (clothing) of Jeff McQuillan (see photo) – you can smile and just say, “Nah, I’m good.”

~Jeff