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.
「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."
Literally 'I will refrain,' used to politely decline an offer, especially when the offer is kind but you don't want to impose.
お気持ちは嬉しいですが、今回は遠慮します。
I appreciate the thought, but I'll pass this time.
Means 'I'm okay' or 'It's fine,' commonly used to decline offers casually but politely.
「もう一杯どう？」「大丈夫です。」
"Another drink?" "I'm fine, thanks."
A formal and direct way to refuse, often used in business or official contexts.
申し訳ありませんが、その提案はお断りします。
I'm sorry, but I must decline that proposal.
The speaker wants to reject a request or indicate they will not do something.
The most common verb for refusing a request or offer. Can be used in various politeness levels.
彼の依頼を断った。
I refused his request.
お誘いを断るのは心苦しい。
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.
すみません、それはちょっとできないです。
Sorry, I can't really do that.
A stronger, more formal word for refusal, often used in official or legal contexts.
会社は要求を拒否した。
The company refused the demand.
To refuse or reject firmly, often used for abstract things like offers, entry, or fate.
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.
ここで写真を撮ってはいけない。
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.'
そんなこと言ってはだめだよ。
You shouldn't say things like that.
To prohibit or ban, used in official rules or signs.
この区域は立ち入りを禁止されています。
Entry to this area is prohibited.
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.
彼は自分の間違いを認めなかった。
He refused to admit his mistake.
To not accept or receive, used for ideas, conditions, or physical objects.
彼女はその条件を受け入れなかった。
She refused to accept the conditions.
To deny or disavow, often used in legal or formal contexts.
容疑者は罪を否認した。
The suspect denied the charges.
The speaker withholds something or does not grant a request.
To not give or grant, often used for permission, information, or tangible items.
彼は許可を与えなかった。
He refused to give permission.
To not hand over or pass, used for physical objects.
彼は鍵を渡さなかった。
He refused to hand over the key.
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.
He refused the offer.