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.
He denied his mistake.
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.
The defendant denied the charges.
Literally "not admit/acknowledge". A common, slightly less formal way to express denial of a fact.
He won't admit his failure.
Means "not accept". Used when someone refuses to accept a situation or truth emotionally.
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.
His request was denied.
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).
He denied the rumor.
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.
It's not that I dislike him. (denial of an assumption)
The act of denying oneself something, often for moral or religious reasons.
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.
He is still in denial.
He issued a strong denial of the allegations.
Her visa application was denied.
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.