Translation guide
Expresses strong refusal or disbelief that something will happen. Japanese uses various emphatic negative expressions depending on formality and intensity.
To emphatically refuse a request or suggestion, equivalent to 'no way' or 'absolutely not'.
Literally 'absolutely not'. A firm, clear refusal. Can be used in various situations.
そんなこと、絶対にないよ。
There's not a chance of that happening.
Means 'impossible' or 'unthinkable'. Very common in casual speech to reject an idea.
彼が遅刻するなんてありえない。
There's not a chance he'd be late.
Expresses disbelief or 'no way'. Often used as an interjection. Can be followed by a negative sentence.
まさか、そんなことないでしょ。
No way, that can't be true.
Strong denial, 'absolutely not' or 'outrageous'. Often used to refuse compliments or offers.
私がそんなことをするなんてとんでもない。
There's not a chance I would do such a thing.
Literally 'it's not a joke'. Used to strongly reject something as absurd. Can sound rough.
冗談じゃない、そんな話は信じられない。
Not a chance, I can't believe that story.
To state that something has no possibility of occurring.
Directly means 'the probability is zero'. Used in both casual and formal contexts.
彼が勝つ可能性はゼロだ。
There's not a chance he'll win.
Means 'there is no prospect/hope'. Slightly formal, often used in business or serious talk.
成功する見込みはない。
There's not a chance of success.
Literally 'not one in ten thousand'. Emphasizes extreme improbability.
そんな偶然は万に一つもない。
There's not a chance in a million of that coincidence.
ありえない is more subjective, expressing that something is unthinkable or against common sense. 絶対にない is a more objective, absolute denial. In casual speech, ありえない is very common among younger speakers.
彼が嘘をつくなんてありえない。
It's unthinkable that he would lie.
彼が嘘をつくことは絶対にない。
He would absolutely never lie.
Do not translate 'not a chance' literally as チャンスではない. That means 'it is not an opportunity', which is completely different. Use the expressions above instead.