Translation guide
The English interjection "no!" expresses refusal, denial, prohibition, or strong negative reaction. Japanese uses different expressions depending on the situation, politeness level, and what is being negated.
Politely or firmly declining something offered or requested.
Polite and standard way to say 'no' in response to a yes/no question or offer. Often accompanied by a slight bow.
「コーヒーはいかがですか？」「いいえ、結構です。」
"Would you like some coffee?" "No, thank you."
Casual 'no', used among friends or in informal situations. Can sound blunt if used with superiors.
「これ食べる？」「いや、いい。」
"You want this?" "Nah, I'm good."
Stronger refusal, 'I don't want to' or 'No way'. Can be childish or emphatic.
「病院に行こう」「いやだ！」
"Let's go to the hospital." "No! I don't want to!"
Polite refusal meaning 'No thank you, I'm fine'. Often used when declining offers.
「お茶をもう一杯いかがですか？」「いいえ、結構です。」
"Would you like another cup of tea?" "No, thank you, I'm fine."
Saying that something is not true or incorrect.
Standard negation pattern. ではない is formal/written, じゃない is casual/spoken.
それは本当ではない。
That is not true.
私のせいじゃない！
It's not my fault!
Means 'wrong' or 'different'. Used to directly contradict a statement. Casual.
「君がやったんだろ？」「違う！」
"You did it, didn't you?" "No! (That's wrong!)"
Polite denial, often used in response to a negative question or to correct a misunderstanding.
Telling someone not to do something.
Standard prohibition patterns. 〜てはいけない is formal, 〜ちゃダメ/〜じゃダメ are casual contractions.
ここで写真を撮ってはいけません。
You must not take photos here. (No photos!)
触っちゃダメ！
Don't touch! (No touching!)
Means 'no good', 'not allowed'. Often used alone as a sharp prohibition, especially to children or pets.
ダメ！それを食べちゃダメ！
No! Don't eat that!
Means 'prohibited'. Used on signs or in formal rules, not in spoken conversation.
駐車禁止
No parking.
Expressing shock, horror, or vehement refusal.
Means 'stop it!' or 'don't!'. Used when someone is doing something unpleasant or harmful.
やめて！痛い！
Stop! That hurts!
Can be drawn out (いやーっ) to express strong dislike or fear.
いや！来ないで！
No! Don't come near me!
Literally 'lie', used as 'No way!' or 'You're kidding!' in disbelief.
うそ！本当に？
No way! Really?
English speakers often use 'no' as a standalone reply, but Japanese prefers to soften refusals or embed negation in a full sentence. A blunt 'いいえ' can sound too direct; often it's better to say 'ちょっと...' (it's a bit...) or '大丈夫です' (I'm fine) to decline politely without saying 'no' explicitly.
いいえ is polite and neutral; いや is casual and masculine-leaning; ううん (uun) is a very casual, often feminine or childlike 'nuh-uh' or 'no' used among close friends or family. ううん can also mean 'uh-huh' depending on intonation, so context is key.
「もう寝る？」「ううん、まだ起きてる。」
"Going to bed?" "Nuh-uh, still awake."
When declining an invitation or offer, saying 'ちょっと...' (a little...) with a hesitant tone is a common way to imply 'no' without directly refusing. It's polite and avoids confrontation.
「田中さんですか？」「いいえ、違います。」
"Are you Mr. Tanaka?" "No, I'm not."