Translation guide
The English word "no" is used to negate, refuse, or deny. In Japanese, negation is built into verbs and adjectives, and refusal is expressed through various words and strategies depending on politeness and context.
To say that something is not the case, or to answer a yes/no question negatively.
Japanese negation is formed by conjugating the predicate. Verbs use the ない-form, い-adjectives replace い with くない, and nouns/な-adjectives use ではない (formal) or じゃない (casual).
A direct 'no' answer to a yes/no question. It can sound blunt; often softened or avoided in conversation.
Casual 'no', often used in informal speech. Can sound rough or masculine.
いや、そうじゃない。
No, that's not it.
To decline something offered or to say you will not do something.
Polite way to decline an offer. Literally 'it's fine'. Can be used with いいえ for clarity.
「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."
To say that something does not exist or there is none of something.
The plain form of 'there is not' for inanimate objects. Used in casual speech.
To tell someone not to do something.
Polite negative request: 'Please don't do V'.
ここで写真を撮らないでください。
Please don't take photos here.
General prohibition: 'must not do V'. Often used in rules.
To confirm or deny a negative question (e.g., 'Don't you like it?').
Japanese answers negative questions by agreeing or disagreeing with the fact. はい means 'that's correct (I don't like it)', いいえ means 'that's wrong (I do like it)'.
「好きじゃないですか？」「はい、好きじゃないです。」
"Don't you like it?" "No, I don't." (lit. Yes, I don't like it.)
Saying いいえ directly can sound too blunt. Japanese often uses softer expressions like ちょっと... (it's a bit...), 考えておきます (I'll think about it), or 大丈夫です to refuse without saying 'no' explicitly.
いいえ is the standard polite 'no'. いや is casual and can sound masculine or rough. ううん (pronounced with a falling intonation) is a very casual, often feminine 'no' used in informal speech.
「学生ですか？」「いいえ、違います。」
"Are you a student?" "No, I'm not."
Means 'I'm okay' or 'no thanks'. Very common for politely refusing offers.
「手伝いましょうか？」「大丈夫です。」
"Shall I help you?" "No, I'm fine."
Literally 'no, it's good'. Used to decline, but can be ambiguous because いいです can also mean 'yes, please'. Tone and context matter.
いいです alone can mean either 'yes' or 'no' depending on context. Adding いいえ makes it clearer.
「もう一杯いかがですか？」「いいえ、いいです。」
"Another cup?" "No, I'm good."
Strong, emotional refusal: 'I don't want to!' or 'No way!'. Used when you really dislike something.
いやだ、行きたくない！
No! I don't want to go!
お金がない。
I have no money.
Plain form for animate beings (people, animals).
誰もいない。
There is no one.
ここに入ってはいけない。
You must not enter here.
Strong, blunt negative command. Used by men in rough speech or on signs.
触るな！
Don't touch!
"Don't you like it?" "Yes, I do." (lit. No, I like it.)