Translation guide
How to express refusal in Japanese, from polite declinations to blunt rejections.
The speaker wants to say no without being rude, often using softening expressions.
A polite way to decline an offer, meaning 'No, thank you' or 'I'm fine.' Often used with いいえ or いや.
"Would you like some coffee?" "No, thank you."
Literally 'I will refrain,' used to politely decline an offer, especially when the offer is kind but you don't want to impose.
Means 'I'm okay' or 'It's fine,' commonly used to decline offers casually but politely.
"Another drink?" "I'm fine, thanks."
A formal and direct way to refuse, often used in business or official contexts.
The speaker wants to reject a request or indicate they will not do something.
The speaker wants to express that something is not allowed or will not be granted.
A common pattern meaning 'must not' or 'not allowed to.' Used for rules or prohibitions.
The speaker rejects an idea, fact, or item, often with a sense of denial.
To not acknowledge or accept, often used for facts, mistakes, or authority.
The speaker withholds something or does not grant a request.
To not give or grant, often used for permission, information, or tangible items.
English 'refuse' often translates to 断る, but in many situations, a softer expression like 結構です or 遠慮します is more appropriate to avoid sounding blunt. Use direct refusal only when necessary.
断る is the general verb for refusing requests or offers, suitable for daily conversation. 拒否する is stronger and more formal, often used for rejecting demands, proposals, or in legal contexts.
I appreciate the thought, but I'll pass this time.
I'm sorry, but I must decline that proposal.
The most common verb for refusing a request or offer. Can be used in various politeness levels.
I refused his request.
It's hard to refuse an invitation.
Simply means 'can't do it,' a direct but common way to refuse a request. Soften with ちょっと or すみません.
Sorry, I can't really do that.
A stronger, more formal word for refusal, often used in official or legal contexts.
The company refused the demand.
To refuse or reject firmly, often used for abstract things like offers, entry, or fate.
He refused the offer.
You must not take photos here.
Casual version of 〜てはいけない, meaning 'don't do' or 'it's not good to.'
You shouldn't say things like that.
To prohibit or ban, used in official rules or signs.
Entry to this area is prohibited.
He refused to admit his mistake.
To not accept or receive, used for ideas, conditions, or physical objects.
She refused to accept the conditions.
To deny or disavow, often used in legal or formal contexts.
The suspect denied the charges.
He refused to give permission.
To not hand over or pass, used for physical objects.
He refused to hand over the key.