noun
Polite noun for turning down an offer, invitation, or request. Often used in formal contexts or written notices.
See also: 断り
申し訳ありませんが、お断りさせていただきます。
I'm very sorry, but I must decline.
お店の入り口に「本日はお断り」と書いてあった。
At the shop entrance, it said 'No entry today'.
noun
Polite term for a formal notice or announcement, often used in official or business contexts to inform of a decision or policy.
掲示板にお断りが貼ってあった。
A notice was posted on the bulletin board.
お断りを出してから工事を始めます。
We will start construction after issuing a notice.
Stronger term for refusal or rejection, often used in legal or official contexts, without the polite nuance of お断り.
Polite form of 断り (ことわり), with the honorific prefix お added. 断り derives from the verb 断る (ことわる), meaning 'to refuse' or 'to give notice'.