そうは思いません
sō wa omoimasen
The English phrase "I disagree" is expressed in Japanese as そうは思いません (sō wa omoimasen).
This phrase is used as a polite way to state that you do not share the same opinion as another person.
Which one should you use?
Adding the particle は (wa) to the phrase makes the disagreement sound slightly more nuanced and less abrupt than the more blunt version, そう思いません.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you need to be even more formal, such as expressing "I'm sorry, but I think differently," you can use 申し訳ありませんが、私は違うと思います.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai dialect, people often use ちゃうやろ instead of the standard informal 違うよ to express disagreement casually.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle は (wa) in そうは思いません is used to emphasize contrast, implying that while you might think other things, you do not think *that* specifically.
How do you pronounce it?
sō wa omoimasen
Did you know?
- A common non-verbal way to express 'I disagree' without speaking is to tilt the head slightly to the side and make a small, humming sound like うーん. In many contexts, this gesture is more common than using a formal phrase.
- In high-context Japanese communication, silence is often used to signal disagreement. A pause that lasts a few seconds longer than expected after a proposal is frequently understood as a polite 'I disagree'.
- In Japanese business culture, people often avoid saying そうは思いません entirely. Instead, they might say 検討します, which literally means 'I will consider it' but often signals a polite disagreement or rejection.
Examples in context
- 私はそうは思いません。I disagree.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase そうは思いません.Tatoeba #160455 by tommy_san, translation #2111806 by CK
- そうは思いません。sō wa omoimasen.I don't think so.
- 申し訳ありませんが、そうは思いません。mōshiwake arimasen ga, sō wa omoimasen.I'm sorry, but I don't think so.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new project plan.
- 蓮 Renこの計画は完璧だと思います。kono keikaku wa kanpeki da to omoimasu.I think this plan is perfect.
- 結衣 Yuiすみませんが、そうは思いません。sumimasen ga, sō wa omoimasen.I'm sorry, but I don't think so.
- 蓮 Ren結衣さんは、何が問題だと思いますか？Yui-san wa, nani ga mondai da to omoimasu ka?Yui, what do you think is the problem?
- 結衣 Yui予算が少し足りない気がします。yosan ga sukoshi tarinai ki ga shimasu.I feel the budget is a bit insufficient.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
