Knowing how to decline an invitation or request politely is an essential skill in any language. In Japanese, there are formal and informal ways to express your refusal, depending on the situation and your relationship with the person you are addressing. In this guide, we will explore various phrases and expressions to politely decline in Japanese, along with tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Decline
When speaking in a formal setting, such as with superiors, clients, or unfamiliar acquaintances, it is important to use more polite language. Here are some formal phrases you can use:
- 1. お断りします (O-kotowari shimasu): This direct phrase simply means “I decline” or “I refuse” and is considered polite.
- 2. 申し訳ありませんが、お断りいたします (Moushiwake arimasen ga, o-kotowari itashimasu): This longer phrase expresses apology alongside the act of declining. It shows a high level of politeness and respect.
- 3. 申し訳ございませんが、お断りさせていただきます (Moushiwake gozaimasen ga, o-kotowari sasete itadakimasu): This phrase is very similar to the previous one and reflects even more politeness by using the honorific form ございます (gozaimasu) and the humble form いただく (itadaku), both of which add a sense of deference.
Example:
ご招待いただきまして、光栄ですが、この度はお断りさせていただきます。
(Goshoutai itadakimashite, kouei desu ga, kondo wa o-kotowari sasete itadakimasu.)
I am honored to have received your invitation, but unfortunately, I must decline this time.
2. Informal Ways to Decline
When speaking in a more casual setting, such as with friends, classmates, or people of similar age or status, you can use less formal language. Here are some phrases you can use informally:
- 1. 断る (Kotowaru): This simple and plain word means “to refuse” or “to decline”. It is suitable for informal conversations.
- 2. ごめんなさい、断るわ (Gomen nasai, kotowaru wa): This phrase adds a sense of apology and sincerity to your refusal. It is commonly used among friends or in more relaxed situations.
- 3. 残念ながら、今回はパスするよ (Zannen nagara, konkai wa pasu suru yo): This expression conveys a feeling of regret but in a more casual manner. It literally means “Unfortunately, I’ll pass this time.”
Example:
そのイベントには行きたいけど、他の予定があるから、残念ながら、今回はパスするよ。
(Sono ibento ni wa ikitai kedo, hoka no yotei ga aru kara, zannen nagara, konkai wa pasu suru yo.)
I want to go to that event, but I have another engagement, so unfortunately, I’ll have to pass this time.
Regional Variations
While the above phrases are widely used across Japan, there can be some regional variations in how to decline. Here are a few examples:
- Kanto Dialect (Tokyo and surrounding areas): In the Kanto region, people often use the phrase すみません、ちょっと… (Sumimasen, chotto…) which means “Sorry, but…”. It is a more casual and softer way of declining.
- Kansai Dialect (Osaka, Kyoto, and surrounding areas): In the Kansai region, it is common to hear the phrase いややっぱり… (Iya, yappari…) which means “No, I guess…”. It reflects the relaxed and laid-back nature of the Kansai dialect.
Example:
申し訳ないけど、ちょっと都合が悪くて…。
(Moushiwake nai kedo, chotto tsugou ga warukute…)
Sorry, but I have some inconvenient circumstances…
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when declining in Japanese:
- 1. Use polite language when in doubt: It is better to err on the side of formality, especially when addressing someone for the first time or when unsure of the appropriate level of politeness.
- 2. Express gratitude: Even if you have to decline, it is important to express gratitude for the invitation or request, showing your appreciation for being considered.
- 3. Keep your tone sincere and respectful: Regardless of the phrases you choose, maintaining a warm and sincere tone is key to conveying your refusal politely.
- 4. Offer an alternative if possible: If appropriate, suggest an alternative plan, time, or solution as a way to soften the impact of your decline and show your willingness to accommodate in the future.
Remember that practicing polite language and cultural nuances goes a long way in building positive relationships in any language, including Japanese.
Now armed with various phrases to politely decline, you can navigate social situations with grace and respect while communicating effectively in Japanese.
