Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| rechazar | /ret͡ʃaˈθaɾ/ /ret͡ʃaˈsaɾ/ |
| declinar | /dekliˈnaɾ/ |
The verb rechazar is used to express the act of refusing or rejecting something. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (the thing being declined) to complete its meaning, such as rechazar una oferta (to decline/reject an offer).
Which one should you use?
While rechazar is the standard word for 'to refuse' or 'to reject', declinar is a more formal, slightly more old-fashioned way to say 'to decline' an offer or invitation. 'Rechazar' is more direct and can carry a stronger sense of rejection than the more polite 'declinar'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular preterite (past tense) of rechazar is rechazó. The past participle of rechazar is rechazado, used to form perfect tenses or as an adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
/retʃaˈθaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word rechazar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'chase', as both come from the Latin root for seizing or pursuing.
- In a formal context, declinar can be used to describe the movement of the sun as it sets, reflecting its literal Latin root meaning 'to bend away'.
- The verb 'declinar' is used in Spanish grammar to describe the way nouns change their endings, similar to how English speakers use the term 'decline' for Latin or Greek words.
Examples in context
- Él juntó el coraje para rechazar su oferta.He gathered the courage to decline the offer.This sentence shows how to use rechazar regarding an offer.Tatoeba #1513867 by marcelostockle, translation #1513848 by emory989
- Es muy descortés de tu parte rechazar su invitación.It's very impolite of you to decline her invitation.This sentence illustrates the social context of using rechazar with an invitation.Tatoeba #2869115 by cueyayotl, translation #309414 by CM
- Trató de convencerlo para que no rechazara la oferta.She tried to persuade him not to decline the offer.Tatoeba #1507443 by marcelostockle, translation #887472 by CK
- Lamentablemente, tengo otros compromisos y debo rechazar tu invitación para la reunión de mañana.Sadly, I have other commitments and must decline your invitation for tomorrow's meeting.
- Agradezco tu oferta, pero tengo que declinar participar en el proyecto en este momento.I appreciate your offer, but I have to decline participating in the project at this time.
- ¡Qué amable de tu parte invitarme a la fiesta, pero tengo que decir que no, ya que tengo otros planes!How kind of you to invite me to the party, but I have to decline, as I have other plans!
- No te preocupes, voy a pasar esta vez y dejar que otro tome mi lugar.Don't worry, I will decline this time and let someone else take my place.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing a job offer.
- MateoTe ofrecieron el puesto, ¿lo vas a aceptar?They offered you the position, are you going to accept it?
- LucíaNo, voy a rechazar la oferta.No, I am going to decline the offer.
- Mateo¿Por qué decidiste rechazarlo?Why did you decide to decline it?
- LucíaEl salario es muy bajo, Mateo.The salary is too low, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decline” translations and entries rechazar, declinar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries declinar, rechazar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
