Translation guide
How to express 'reject' in Japanese depends on what is being rejected: an offer, a proposal, a person, an idea, or a physical object. The most common and versatile word is 断る (kotowaru), but other verbs and phrases are used in specific contexts.
The speaker declines something offered or requested, such as a job, a date, or a favor.
The most common and general verb for refusing or declining something. Can be used in both formal and informal situations.
彼の申し出を断った。
I rejected his offer.
デートの誘いを断るのは難しい。
It's hard to turn down a date invitation.
A polite and formal way to decline, often used in business or when speaking to superiors.
今回はお断りします。
I must decline this time.
A stronger, more formal word for refusal or rejection, often used in official or legal contexts.
彼はその要求を拒否した。
He rejected the demand.
Specifically means to decline an offer or withdraw from consideration, often used for positions, nominations, or invitations.
彼は賞を辞退した。
He declined the award.
The speaker turns down someone's romantic interest or dismisses a person.
Commonly used for rejecting someone romantically. Literally means 'to shake off'.
彼女に告白したけど、振られた。
I confessed to her, but she rejected me.
Can also be used for rejecting a person, but is less specific than 振る and can sound blunt.
A strong word for outright rejection, often used for emotional or personal rejection.
彼は私の愛を拒絶した。
He rejected my love.
The speaker dismisses or does not accept a suggestion, theory, or plan.
Used for formally rejecting a proposal, motion, or application, often in business or official settings.
委員会はその提案を却下した。
The committee rejected the proposal.
Also used for rejecting ideas or demands, with a nuance of strong refusal.
彼はその考えを拒否した。
He rejected that idea.
Means to deny or negate, often used for rejecting a statement or theory.
彼はその説を否定した。
He rejected that theory.
To flatly reject or rebuff, often with a sense of strong dismissal.
The speaker discards or refuses to accept something because it does not meet standards.
To reject as not meeting standards, often used in quality control or testing.
検査で不良品は不合格にされた。
Defective products were rejected in the inspection.
Informal term for rejecting or turning away, used in contexts like auditions or quality checks.
オーディションで半分以上がはねられた。
More than half were rejected at the audition.
Loanword from English, used in technical or business contexts, especially for rejecting applications or submissions.
論文がリジェクトされた。
My paper was rejected.
The body's immune system attacks or refuses a transplanted organ or tissue.
The standard phrase for transplant rejection. Literally 'to cause a rejection reaction'.
移植した臓器に拒絶反応が起きた。
The transplanted organ was rejected.
断る (kotowaru) is the most general and can be used in daily conversation for refusing offers or invitations. 拒否する (kyohi suru) is stronger and more formal, often used for refusing demands or rights. 却下する (kyakka suru) is specifically for official rejection of proposals or applications.
Avoid directly translating 'reject' as 拒絶する (kyozetsu suru) in casual contexts. It can sound overly dramatic or harsh. Use 断る or 振る for everyday situations.
彼は私の誘いを断った。
He turned me down.
彼は私の提案を撥ね付けた。
He flatly rejected my suggestion.