Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'declining' in Japanese, covering refusal, decrease, and deterioration.
Politely or casually saying no to an offer, invitation, or request.
A polite and common way to decline an offer, meaning 'No, thank you' or 'I'm fine.' Can sound a bit formal or blunt depending on tone.
「コーヒーはいかがですか？」「結構です。」
"Would you like some coffee?" "No, thank you."
A very common and softer way to decline, meaning 'I'm okay' or 'No thanks.' Used in casual and polite situations.
「もう一ついかがですか？」「大丈夫です。」
"Would you like another one?" "I'm fine, thanks."
A polite way to decline, implying you are holding back out of modesty or consideration. Often used when refusing help or offers.
お気持ちは嬉しいですが、遠慮します。
I appreciate the thought, but I'll decline.
A formal and direct way to refuse, often used in business or official contexts. Can sound harsh if used casually.
申し訳ありませんが、その提案はお断りします。
I'm sorry, but I must decline that proposal.
Describing something that is going down, such as numbers, health, or quality.
A formal term for decrease or decline in numbers, quantity, or rate. Common in news and reports.
人口が減少している。
The population is declining.
The most common everyday verb for 'decrease' or 'become fewer.' Used for countable and uncountable things.
最近、貯金が減ってきた。
My savings have been declining lately.
Means 'decline' or 'drop' in quality, ability, or standard. Often used for performance, health, or economic indicators.
売上が低下している。
Sales are declining.
Literally 'to fall,' but used for declining grades, popularity, or condition. More casual than 低下する.
Describing a worsening state, especially health or physical condition.
To weaken or decline, often used for physical strength, health, or mental faculties due to age or illness.
祖父の体力が衰えてきた。
My grandfather's strength is declining.
To worsen or deteriorate, used for conditions, situations, or health. More general than 衰える.
病状が悪化している。
His condition is declining.
To become weak or frail, often emotionally or physically. Can also mean 'to be troubled.'
Using set phrases to decline invitations or requests in business or formal settings.
To formally decline an offer, position, or invitation. Common in business and official contexts.
今回は参加を辞退させていただきます。
I will decline to participate this time.
Very formal and humble way to decline, often used in written invitations or ceremonies.
誠に恐れ入りますが、ご招待はご遠慮申し上げます。
I am very sorry, but I must respectfully decline your invitation.
The English verb 'decline' in the sense of refusing is often translated as 断る (ことわる), but this can sound too direct or harsh in many situations. Use softer expressions like 結構です or 大丈夫です unless you need to be very clear or formal.
減少する is formal and often used in writing or news. 減る is the everyday verb for decrease. Use 減る in casual conversation.
売上が減少した（フォーマル） vs 売上が減った（カジュアル）
Sales declined (formal) vs Sales went down (casual)
My grades declined.
As I got older, my legs declined.