Translation guide
Expresses strong disbelief, refusal, or that something is impossible. The best Japanese choice depends on the nuance: rejecting a suggestion, expressing shock, or stating impossibility.
Reacting to surprising or unbelievable news, similar to 'No way!' or 'You're kidding!'
A common interjection expressing disbelief or surprise, often used when hearing unexpected news.
No way, did you really win the lottery?
Literally 'lie', used colloquially to mean 'No way!' or 'You're kidding!'
No way, it's already over?
Means 'impossible' or 'unbelievable', used to express that something cannot be true.
There's no way he would do something like that.
Means 'I can't believe it', expressing shock or disbelief.
No way, you're late again?
Strongly rejecting an idea or proposal, like 'No way!' or 'Absolutely not!'
A firm refusal meaning 'absolutely not' or 'no way I'd do that'.
No way, I can't do something that dangerous.
Expresses strong denial or that something is outrageous, often used to refuse an offer or suggestion.
Also used to refuse, implying the idea is impossible or unacceptable.
Saying that something is impossible or cannot happen, like 'There's no way...'
A grammar pattern meaning 'there is no way that...' or 'it cannot be that...'. Attach to a verb or adjective in plain form.
There's no way he knows.
Similar to はずがない, meaning 'there is no reason that...' or 'it's impossible that...'. Slightly more logical or emphatic.
There's no way it can be done that easily.
Means 'it's impossible' or 'no way', often used in casual speech to state something can't be done.
まさか is often used when you hear something unexpected and are half-doubting it. うそ is more casual and expresses surprise, like 'You're kidding!'. ありえない is stronger, stating that something is logically impossible or unacceptable.
No way, I can't believe he's quitting.
No way, you already ate?
No way, I can't believe he made that mistake.
Do not translate 'no way' literally as 道がない (michi ga nai) unless you mean a physical path does not exist. For expressing disbelief or refusal, use the phrases above.
No way, I can't accept that kind of money.
ありえない、そんな計画には賛成できない。
No way, I can't agree to a plan like that.
There's no way to finish it in one day.