Translation guide
To prove a statement, argument, or claim to be false or incorrect. In Japanese, the most common and direct equivalent is 反論する (to counter-argue), but other expressions like 論破する (to defeat in argument) or 否定する (to deny) are used depending on context and nuance.
Expressing that you are providing arguments or evidence against someone's statement or opinion, often in a debate or discussion.
The most direct and neutral translation for 'refute' in the sense of presenting a counter-argument. It implies a reasoned response to an opposing view.
彼は私の意見に反論した。
He refuted my opinion.
It's difficult to refute that claim.
Means to thoroughly defeat someone in an argument, often by logically destroying their points. Stronger than 反論する, implying a complete refutation.
彼は相手の主張を完全に論破した。
He completely refuted his opponent's argument.
To refute by presenting counter-evidence. More formal and often used in legal or academic contexts.
弁護士はその証言を反証した。
The lawyer refuted the testimony.
Stating that something is not true, often in response to an accusation or a false claim.
To deny or negate. Commonly used to refute a statement by asserting its falsehood. Less about argumentation and more about simple denial.
彼はその疑惑を強く否定した。
He strongly refuted the suspicion.
その噂は公式に否定された。
The rumor was officially refuted.
Literally 'to prove the error'. Used when refuting by demonstrating a mistake or falsehood.
科学者たちはその理論の誤りを証明した。
The scientists refuted the theory.
To overturn or disprove a widely held belief or assumption. Often used for established theories or common knowledge.
Indicating that an argument is not worthy of consideration because it is flawed or baseless.
To dismiss or reject an argument or claim. Implies that the argument is not accepted, often without extensive counter-argument.
裁判官はその主張を退けた。
The judge refuted the claim.
To refute or dismiss with a single blow; to brush off an argument contemptuously. Stronger and more dismissive than 退ける.
彼は私の提案を一蹴した。
He refuted my proposal outright.
反論する focuses on the act of arguing back, often with reasoning. 否定する simply means to deny or say something is not true. Use 反論する when you want to emphasize the counter-argument, and 否定する when you are just stating that something is false.
彼は私の意見に反論したが、事実は否定しなかった。
He refuted my opinion but didn't deny the facts.
The word 論駁する (ろんばくする) exists but is very formal and rarely used in everyday Japanese. Stick to 反論する or 否定する for most situations.
彼女は自分に対するすべての疑惑を否定した。
She refuted all the allegations against her.
その科学者は新しいデータで仮説を反証した。
The scientist refuted the hypothesis with new data.
新たな証拠が従来の説を覆した。
New evidence refuted the conventional theory.