Translation guide
How to express consent (agreement, permission) or refusal (denial, rejection) in Japanese, depending on formality and context.
Expressing agreement, permission, or willingness to do something.
The most basic and neutral way to say 'yes' or give consent. Suitable for most situations.
"Can you help me?" "Yes, gladly."
A friendly, casual way to give consent or permission. Often used when agreeing to a request.
「ここに座ってもいい？」「いいですよ。」
"Can I sit here?" "Sure, go ahead."
A formal way to express consent, often used in business settings. Equivalent to 'Understood' or 'Certainly'.
「明日の会議に出席してください。」「承知しました。」
"Please attend tomorrow's meeting." "Certainly."
A polite way to say 'I don't mind' or 'It's fine', giving consent without strong enthusiasm.
「窓を開けてもいいですか？」「ええ、構いませんよ。」
"May I open the window?" "Yes, I don't mind."
Casual way to say 'Roger' or 'Got it', often used among friends or in informal contexts. Can sound too casual in formal settings.
「集合は3時ね。」「了解！」
"Let's meet at 3." "Got it!"
Expressing refusal, denial, or unwillingness to do something.
The standard word for 'no'. However, direct refusal can be softened in Japanese culture.
「コーヒーはいかがですか？」「いいえ、結構です。」
"Would you like some coffee?" "No, thank you."
A very common, indirect way to refuse without saying 'no' directly. The trailing off implies difficulty or inconvenience.
「明日、飲みに行かない？」「明日はちょっと…」
"Want to go for a drink tomorrow?" "Tomorrow's a bit..."
A polite but firm way to refuse an offer. Can sound a bit cold if used bluntly.
「おかわりはいかがですか？」「いいえ、結構です。」
"Would you like a refill?" "No, I'm fine, thank you."
A very formal and direct refusal, used in official or business contexts. Stronger than '結構です'.
「その提案はお断りします。」
"We decline that proposal."
Requesting permission or agreement from someone.
Standard pattern for asking 'May I ~?' or 'Is it okay if I ~?'. Attach to the te-form of a verb.
写真を撮ってもいいですか。
May I take a photo?
A more polite version of '〜てもいいですか'. Suitable for formal situations.
ここに座っても構いませんか。
Would you mind if I sit here?
Very humble and formal way to ask for permission to do something. Used in business or when speaking to superiors.
資料を見せていただけますか。
May I have a look at the materials?
Showing that you consent but unwillingly, or cannot refuse due to circumstances.
Means 'reluctantly' or 'having no choice'. Used to describe consenting unwillingly.
仕方なく引き受けた。
I reluctantly agreed to do it.
Literally 'cannot refuse'. Describes a situation where refusal is impossible.
上司の頼みだから断れない。
I can't refuse because it's a request from my boss.
In Japanese culture, direct refusal (especially with いいえ alone) can be perceived as too blunt. It's often softened with apologies, vague expressions like ちょっと…, or by not giving a clear answer. Pay attention to the relationship and context.
「飲み会来る？」「ごめん、その日はちょっと用事があって…」
"Are you coming to the party?" "Sorry, I have something to do that day..."
はい is the standard 'yes'. ええ is a more casual, conversational 'yes', often used among friends or in relaxed settings. ええ can sound less formal, so avoid it in very polite situations.
「これ、美味しいね。」「ええ、本当に。」
"This is delicious, isn't it?" "Yeah, really."