断ります
kotowarimasu
The Japanese phrase for "I refuse" is 断ります (kotowarimasu).
断ります is used when you want to decline an offer, a request or an invitation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The polite version of the phrase is 断ります, which is suitable for use with strangers, colleagues or superiors. The informal version is 断る, which is used with friends or people of lower status.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you refused in the past tense, use the polite past form 断りました.
How do you pronounce it?
kotowarimasu
Did you know?
- A common way to refuse is to say 検討します, which means 'i will consider it'. In a business context, this often functions as a polite 'no' that allows both parties to save face.
- The verb 断る can also mean to notify someone in advance about a plan. For example, it is used when telling a client or boss about an upcoming absence.
- When refusing a gift or offer, Japanese people may repeat the offer several times before finally accepting. This ritual ensures the other person knows the gesture is sincere and not just a formality.
Examples in context
- 大変申し訳ございませんが、お断りいたします。I am very sorry, but I have to decline.
- 残念ながら、お断りさせていただきます。Unfortunately, I must refuse.
- 申し訳ありませんが、お断りさせていただきます。I apologize, but I have to decline.
- ごめんなさい、やりたくないんだ。Sorry, but I don't want to do it.
- 気持ちはありがたいけど、今回は遠慮させてもらうね。I appreciate the gesture, but I will decline this time.
- ちょっと今は無理かな。I don't think I can do it right now.
- その提案は断ります。Sono teian wa kotowarimasu.I refuse that proposal.
- 申し訳ありませんが、断ります。Moushiwake arimasen ga, kotowarimasu.I am sorry, but I refuse.
- 無理な注文は断ります。Muri na chuumon wa kotowarimasu.I refuse unreasonable orders.
Example conversation
Yota offers Misaki a job she does not want.
- 陽太 Yota一緒に働きませんか。issho ni hatarakimasen ka.Would you like to work together?
- 美咲 Misakiお誘いですが、断ります。osasui desu ga, kotowarimasu.Thank you for the invitation, but I refuse.
- 陽太 Yota残念です。理由はいいですか。zannen desu. riyuu wa ii desu ka.That's too bad. May I ask why?
- 美咲 Misaki今は忙しいので。ima wa isogashii node.Because I'm busy right now.
