Translation guide
How to express rejection in Japanese, from polite refusals to blunt dismissals, depending on the situation and relationship.
Declining an offer, invitation, or request politely without offending the other person.
A softer, more casual polite refusal. Literally 'it's okay', used to mean 'no thanks' or 'I'm fine'.
大丈夫です。
I'm fine, thank you.
おかわりはいかがですか？ ー大丈夫です。
Would you like a refill? — No, I'm fine.
A humble way to decline, implying you are holding back out of politeness. Often used when refusing an offer that might inconvenience the giver.
お気遣いありがとうございます。でも、遠慮します。
Thank you for your concern, but I'll pass.
A common way to decline an invitation while leaving the door open for the future. Literally 'next time, please'.
今週は忙しいので、また今度お願いします。
I'm busy this week, so maybe next time.
A trailing 'a little...' used to indirectly refuse without stating the reason. Very common in casual conversation, but can be vague.
明日飲みに行かない？ ー明日はちょっと…
Want to go for a drink tomorrow? — Tomorrow's a bit...
Turning down a suggestion or plan, often in a business or formal context.
Formal rejection of a proposal, application, or motion. Often used in official contexts.
彼の提案は却下された。
His proposal was rejected.
Refusal or denial; can be used for rejecting requests, demands, or offers. Stronger than '断る'.
彼はその要求を拒否した。
He rejected the demand.
To refuse or decline. Can be used in both casual and formal settings. Often used with '〜を断る'.
Polite way to refuse an offer or request. Common in customer service or formal situations.
申し訳ありませんが、その件はお断りします。
I'm sorry, but we must decline that matter.
Turning down someone's romantic advances or social overtures.
To reject someone romantically. Often used in the passive form '振られる' (to be dumped/rejected).
彼女に告白したけど、振られた。
I confessed to her, but she rejected me.
Can also be used for rejecting a date invitation or romantic advance, though less specific than '振る'.
Formal rejection of a document, application, or manuscript.
Rejection of a job application or proposal. Literally 'non-adoption'.
残念ながら、今回は不採用となりました。
Unfortunately, your application was not accepted this time.
Rejection in a contest, election, or selection process. Literally 'falling out of selection'.
彼の作品はコンテストで落選した。
His work was rejected in the contest.
Used for formal rejection of applications or motions, similar to '不採用' but more official.
The body's immune response rejecting foreign tissue or an organ.
Medical term for rejection reaction, such as in organ transplants.
移植後に拒絶反応が起きた。
A rejection reaction occurred after the transplant.
Expressing outright refusal or dismissal, often in a harsh or emphatic way.
Strong rejection or refusal, often used in emotional or dramatic contexts.
彼女は彼の愛を拒絶した。
She rejected his love.
To flatly refuse; to reject firmly and resolutely.
彼はその要求を断固拒否した。
He flatly rejected the demand.
To rebuff or reject sharply; to give a flat refusal. Often implies a brusque manner.
断る (kotowaru) is the most general term for refusing or declining, suitable for everyday situations. 拒否 (kyohi) is stronger and more formal, often used for rejecting demands or requests. 拒絶 (kyozetsu) implies a complete and often emotional rejection, used in dramatic or medical contexts.
彼は招待を断った。
He declined the invitation.
彼は要求を拒否した。
He rejected the demand.
彼女は彼の愛を拒絶した。
She rejected his love.
In Japanese culture, directly saying 'no' (いいえ) can be too blunt. Instead, use indirect phrases like '結構です' or '大丈夫です' to soften the refusal. For invitations, 'ちょっと…' is a common way to decline without giving a reason.
Often, a rejection is accompanied by an apology like 'すみません' or 'ごめんなさい' to show consideration for the other person's feelings. This is especially important in romantic or social rejections.
申し訳ありませんが、お申し出はお断りしなければなりません。
I'm sorry, but I have to decline your offer.
彼がデートに誘ったとき、彼女は彼を振った。
She rejected him when he asked her out.
委員会はその提案を却下した。
The committee rejected the proposal.
彼は招待を断った。
He declined the invitation.
デートに誘ったけど、断られた。
I asked her out, but she turned me down.
A simple apology used to gently reject someone's feelings. Often accompanied by an explanation.
ごめんなさい、他に好きな人がいるの。
I'm sorry, there's someone else I like.
The application was rejected.
彼は私の助言をはねつけた。
He brusquely rejected my advice.