Translation guide
The English word "denial" covers several distinct concepts: refusing to accept a truth, rejecting a request, and negating a statement. Japanese uses different words and patterns for each. This guide breaks them down by intended meaning.
Expressing that someone refuses to acknowledge or accept a fact, often in a psychological or emotional sense.
The most direct and common translation for "denial" as refusal to accept a fact or truth. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
彼は自分の過ちを否定した。
He denied his mistake.
現実否定は問題を解決しない。
Denial of reality doesn't solve problems.
Stronger and more formal than 否定, often used in legal or official contexts to mean repudiation or disavowal.
被告は容疑を否認した。
The defendant denied the charges.
Literally "not admit/acknowledge". A common, slightly less formal way to express denial of a fact.
彼は自分の失敗を認めない。
He won't admit his failure.
Means "not accept". Used when someone refuses to accept a situation or truth emotionally.
彼女は現実を受け入れない。
She is in denial about reality.
Saying no to a request, application, or assertion.
General term for refusal or rejection of a request, offer, or demand. Very common.
彼の要求は拒否された。
His request was denied.
ビザの申請が拒否された。
The visa application was denied.
Formal rejection, typically of an application, motion, or appeal in official or legal settings.
To refuse or turn down a request or invitation. More personal and direct than 拒否.
Saying that something is not true or did not happen.
Also used for logical or factual negation. Can be used as a noun or verb (否定する).
その噂を否定した。
He denied the rumor.
彼は関与を否定している。
He denies any involvement.
Literally "to negate" or "to wipe out". Often used for denying rumors or statements emphatically.
A grammar pattern meaning "it is not that..." used to partially deny a statement or assumption.
彼が嫌いなわけではない。
It's not that I dislike him. (denial of an assumption)
The act of denying oneself something, often for moral or religious reasons.
Self-denial in a psychological sense, denying one's own desires or identity.
彼は自己否定に陥っている。
He is trapped in self-denial.
Self-denial or self-restraint, often with a moral or stoic connotation. Literary/formal.
否定 (hitei) is the most general term for denial, covering both refusal to accept truth and negation of statements. 否認 (hinin) is stronger and often used in legal contexts (denial of charges, paternity, etc.). 拒否 (kyohi) is specifically for rejecting requests, offers, or demands. Use 否定 for most everyday situations.
The English phrase "to be in denial" (psychological) does not have a direct one-word equivalent. Use phrases like 現実を受け入れない (not accept reality) or 否定している (is denying). Avoid literal translations like 否定の中にいる.
彼はまだ現実を受け入れていない。
He is still in denial.
彼は疑惑を強く否定した。
He issued a strong denial of the allegations.
彼女のビザ申請は拒否された。
Her visa application was denied.
会社は不正を一切否定した。
The company denied any wrongdoing.
The court denied the appeal.
彼は招待を断った。
He denied (turned down) the invitation.
政府はその報道を打ち消した。
The government denied the report.
A spirit of self-denial is required.