Translation guide
The English verb 'deny' covers several distinct meanings: saying something is not true, refusing to give or allow something, and rejecting a connection or responsibility. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To state that an accusation, claim, or fact is false.
The most general and neutral word for denying a statement or fact. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
彼はその噂を否定した。
He denied the rumor.
The company is denying any wrongdoing.
Literally 'to strike and erase', implies strongly denying or negating something, often a rumor or suspicion. Slightly more emphatic than 否定する.
彼は疑惑を打ち消した。
He denied the suspicion.
A pattern meaning 'it is not the case that ~'. Used to deny a statement or possibility.
彼が嘘をついたということはない。
It's not that he lied. / He didn't lie.
Means 'it doesn't mean that ~'. Used to deny a logical conclusion or implication.
彼が来ないわけではない。
It doesn't mean he won't come. (He might come.)
To refuse a request, permission, or access to something.
The standard word for refusing a request, demand, or permission. Stronger than 断る.
彼は面会を拒否した。
He denied the meeting request. / He refused to meet.
ビザの申請が拒否された。
The visa application was denied.
To refuse or turn down an offer, invitation, or request. More everyday and less formal than 拒否する.
Formal term for denying or disavowing, often used in legal or official contexts (e.g., denying charges).
被告は罪を否認した。
The defendant denied the charges.
To say that you are not involved with something or that something is not true about you.
Means 'have nothing to do with ~'. Commonly used to deny involvement or connection.
私はその事件とは関係ない。
I have nothing to do with that incident. / I deny any involvement in that incident.
Literally 'do not acknowledge/accept'. Used to deny responsibility, a fact, or a relationship.
彼は自分の過ちを認めなかった。
He didn't admit his mistake. / He denied his mistake.
Formal denial of responsibility or connection, often used in legal or official statements.
政府は関与を否認した。
The government denied involvement.
否定する is for denying the truth of a statement. 拒否する is for refusing a request or permission. 断る is for turning down offers or invitations in daily life.
English 'deny' can often be translated directly, but in some cases a more natural Japanese expression is to use a negative form or a phrase like ～わけではない. Avoid forcing 否定する when it sounds unnatural.
彼は招待を断った。
He denied the invitation. / He turned down the invitation.