いや
iya[ija̠]
The English phrase "nah" is expressed in Japanese as いや (iya).
いや is used in casual conversations to decline, reject or express disagreement.
Meaning: no (intj)
Which one should you use?
While いや is informal and conversational, いいえ is the standard, more polite way to say no. Additionally, ううん is a versatile term that matches the casual tone of nah and expresses a simple no in an informal setting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
いや is an informal way to say no, similar to the English "nah". 残念ですが means Unfortunately and can be used to convey a sense of refusal or disagreement in a polite manner.
How do you pronounce it?
iya
Did you know?
- The term いや may have originated as a sound of pure disgust, much like the English 'yuck'.
- In casual Japanese conversation, いや is often used not just to say 'no', but to start a sentence when correcting oneself or changing a topic.
- In certain contexts, いや can be used to express a strong 'yes' or agreement when it is used as a preface to a contradictory statement.
Examples in context
- 「ここ来たことある？」「いや、初めて来た」"Have you been here before?" "Nah, this is my first time."This example shows how to use いや to answer a yes/no question about past experience.Tatoeba #3579358 by tommy_san, translation #4645094 by corbinjurgens
- 「小説とか書けばいいのに」「いや、自分に書けるとは思わないな。面白い筋を考えるなどというのはとても出来そうには思えない」"You should write a novel or something." "Nah, I don't think so. I can't see myself coming up with anything good, anyways."This example shows how to use いや to reject a suggestion.Tatoeba #1260219 by mookeee, translation #1487814 by marshmallowcat
- ううん、I've got plans, but maybe next time!No, I've got plans, but maybe next time!
- いや、今はちょっと忙しいんだ。Iya, ima wa chotto isogashii nda.Nah, I'm a bit busy right now.
Example conversation
Ren asks Misaki if she wants to go grab coffee.
- 蓮 Ren美咲、コーヒー飲みに行かない？Misaki, ko-hi- nomi ni ikanai?Misaki, do you want to go get some coffee?
- 美咲 Misakiいや、今日は仕事が溜まってるんだ。Iya, kyou wa shigoto ga tamatteru nda.Nah, I have a lot of work piled up today.
- 蓮 Renそっか、無理しないでね。Sokka, muri shinai de ne.I see, don't overdo it.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、頑張るよ。Arigatou, ganbaru yo.Thanks, I'll do my best.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry いや, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries いや, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
