godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
refuse; reject; turn down; decline
Directly refusing an offer, request, or proposal. Can be blunt or polite depending on context.
彼は招待を丁寧に断った。
He politely declined the invitation.
It's hard to turn down an offer.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
inform; give notice; ask in advance
Used when informing someone beforehand, often to get approval or avoid trouble. Common in phrases like 断っておく (let someone know in advance).
遅刻するときは必ず断ってください。
Please be sure to let me know in advance when you'll be late.
彼は上司に断ってから早退した。
He left early after informing his boss.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
ask leave; excuse oneself
Polite expression for excusing oneself from a place or situation, often used in formal settings.
お先に断って失礼します。
Please excuse me for leaving before you.
彼は会議を断って席を外した。
He excused himself from the meeting and left the room.