断り
Meanings
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.
At the beginning of the book, there is a note about the notation.
If there is a change, please give notice in advance.
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'.
I entered the storeroom after getting the manager's permission.
This contract cannot be made without a parent's consent.
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.
I sent an invitation, but a reply declining it came right away.
The company received notice that the job offer was being declined.
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.
In older writing, 断り is sometimes used to mean an explanation or excuse.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉に断りなくwithout asking someone's permission
He took a day off without asking his boss's permission.
- 断りの返事をするto give a reply declining an offer or invitation
I gave a reply declining that offer.
- 断りを得るto obtain someone's permission or consent
You need to obtain the administrator's permission before using it.
- 断りの電話を入れるto make a phone call to decline something
My plans suddenly changed, so I called to decline.
Expressions
- 断りを入れるinform in advance; give notice; ask permission beforehand