Translation guide
Expresses future negation, refusal, or strong determination not to do something. In Japanese, this is conveyed through verb conjugations, auxiliary verbs, and set phrases rather than a single word.
To say that something will not happen or someone will not do something in the future, in casual or plain speech.
The plain negative form of a verb. This is the most direct equivalent of 'will not' in casual contexts.
明日は雨が降らない。
It will not rain tomorrow.
彼は来ないと思う。
I think he will not come.
Adds a sense of probability or conjecture, similar to 'probably will not'.
彼は多分来ないだろう。
He probably will not come.
To politely say that something will not happen or someone will not do something.
The polite negative form of a verb. Use this in formal or polite situations.
明日は雨が降りません。
It will not rain tomorrow.
会議には参加しません。
I will not attend the meeting.
Polite conjecture, 'probably will not'.
彼は来ないでしょう。
He probably will not come.
To express a strong refusal or determination not to do something, equivalent to 'I will not...' or 'I refuse to...'.
Expresses intention not to do something. 'I have no intention of...'
もう彼には会わないつもりだ。
I will not see him again.
A literary or formal negative volitional form, expressing strong determination not to do something. Attaches to the dictionary form of godan verbs, or the stem of ichidan verbs.
もう二度と過ちは繰り返すまい。
I will never repeat that mistake again.
An emphatic, colloquial way to express strong denial or refusal. Often used by male speakers.
あんな奴に負けるものか。
I will not lose to a guy like that!
To express that something cannot be done or is impossible, often overlapping with 'will not' in English.
Literally 'cannot do', used for inability or impossibility.
この機械は修理することができない。
This machine will not be repairable.
Expresses that one cannot do something due to social or moral obligation, 'cannot afford to...'
約束を破るわけにはいかない。
I cannot break my promise. (I will not break my promise.)
Japanese does not have a direct future tense auxiliary like English 'will'. Future actions are expressed through context, time words, or the plain form of the verb. Avoid trying to translate 'will' as a separate word.
Use ない for casual speech, ません for polite speech. The meaning is the same, but the social context dictates which to use.