noun
A prior note, announcement, caveat, or warning, often in formal or written contexts such as 断り書き, 事前の断り, or 断りを入れる.
本の冒頭に、表記についての断りがある。
At the beginning of the book, there is a note about the notation.
変更がある場合は、前もって断りを入れてください。
If there is a change, please give notice in advance.
noun
Used when someone gives approval or consent, especially in phrases such as 断りを得る and 断りなしに. In some contexts it overlaps with 'prior notice'.
管理者の断りを得て、倉庫に入った。
I entered the storeroom after getting the manager's permission.
親の断りなしに、この契約はできない。
This contract cannot be made without a parent's consent.
noun
A refusal or response declining an invitation, request, offer, or proposal. Often appears in phrases such as 断りの返事, 断りの電話, and お断り.
招待状を送ったが、すぐに断りの返事が来た。
I sent an invitation, but a reply declining it came right away.
会社から内定辞退の断りがあった。
The company received notice that the job offer was being declined.
noun
Less common in modern everyday Japanese for 'excuse' or 'plea'; 言い訳 or 弁解 is usually more natural today. Preserved here as a real but limited noun sense.
古い文章では、「断り」が弁解や言い訳の意味で使われることがある。
In older writing, 断り is sometimes used to mean an explanation or excuse.