Translation guide
How to express rejection in Japanese, from polite refusals to blunt dismissals, depending on the situation and relationship.
Declining an offer, invitation, or request politely without offending the other person.
A standard polite way to decline an offer. Can sound a bit formal or final. Often used with 'いいえ' or 'もう'.
No, thank you.
I've had enough, thank you.
A softer, more casual polite refusal. Literally 'it's okay', used to mean 'no thanks' or 'I'm fine'.
I'm fine, thank you.
Would you like a refill? — No, I'm fine.
A humble way to decline, implying you are holding back out of politeness. Often used when refusing an offer that might inconvenience the giver.
Thank you for your concern, but I'll pass.
A common way to decline an invitation while leaving the door open for the future. Literally 'next time, please'.
I'm busy this week, so maybe next time.
A trailing 'a little...' used to indirectly refuse without stating the reason. Very common in casual conversation, but can be vague.
Want to go for a drink tomorrow? — Tomorrow's a bit...
Turning down a suggestion or plan, often in a business or formal context.
Formal rejection of a proposal, application, or motion. Often used in official contexts.
His proposal was rejected.
Refusal or denial; can be used for rejecting requests, demands, or offers. Stronger than '断る'.
To refuse or decline. Can be used in both casual and formal settings. Often used with '〜を断る'.
Polite way to refuse an offer or request. Common in customer service or formal situations.
Turning down someone's romantic advances or social overtures.
To reject someone romantically. Often used in the passive form '振られる' (to be dumped/rejected).
I confessed to her, but she rejected me.
Can also be used for rejecting a date invitation or romantic advance, though less specific than '振る'.
Formal rejection of a document, application, or manuscript.
Rejection of a job application or proposal. Literally 'non-adoption'.
Unfortunately, your application was not accepted this time.
Rejection in a contest, election, or selection process. Literally 'falling out of selection'.
Used for formal rejection of applications or motions, similar to '不採用' but more official.
The body's immune response rejecting foreign tissue or an organ.
Medical term for rejection reaction, such as in organ transplants.
A rejection reaction occurred after the transplant.
Expressing outright refusal or dismissal, often in a harsh or emphatic way.
断る (kotowaru) is the most general term for refusing or declining, suitable for everyday situations. 拒否 (kyohi) is stronger and more formal, often used for rejecting demands or requests. 拒絶 (kyozetsu) implies a complete and often emotional rejection, used in dramatic or medical contexts.
He declined the invitation.
He rejected the demand.
She rejected his love.
In Japanese culture, directly saying 'no' (いいえ) can be too blunt. Instead, use indirect phrases like '結構です' or '大丈夫です' to soften the refusal. For invitations, 'ちょっと…' is a common way to decline without giving a reason.
Often, a rejection is accompanied by an apology like 'すみません' or 'ごめんなさい' to show consideration for the other person's feelings. This is especially important in romantic or social rejections.
I'm sorry, but I have to decline your offer.
She rejected him when he asked her out.
The committee rejected the proposal.
He rejected the demand.
彼は招待を断った。
He declined the invitation.
I'm sorry, but we must decline that matter.
デートに誘ったけど、断られた。
I asked her out, but she turned me down.
I'm sorry, there's someone else I like.
彼の作品はコンテストで落選した。
His work was rejected in the contest.
申請は却下されました。
The application was rejected.
He flatly rejected the demand.
彼は私の助言をはねつけた。
He brusquely rejected my advice.