いいえ
īe[iːe̞]
The English word "nay" can be translated into Japanese as いいえ (īe).
いいえ is used to mean "or rather."
Meaning: or rather (adv)
Which one should you use?
ちがう is a common informal way to say no in Japanese and also means 'different' or 'wrong.' だめ is an informal expression meaning no good or unacceptable, often used by younger people.
How do you pronounce it?
īe
Did you know?
- While いいえ means 'no', Japanese speakers often avoid saying it directly in social situations to maintain harmony, instead using phrases that imply a 'no' without using the word.
- In Japanese, the word いいえ is often used as a polite response to a compliment, acting as a way to say 'no, not at all' rather than a direct disagreement.
- While いいえ is the standard polite way to say 'no', its predecessor いや (iya) has evolved to mean 'disagreeable' or 'unpleasant' in modern Japanese.
Examples in context
- その提案はどうですか？
いいえ、申し訳ありませんが、受け入れることはできません。What do you think about that proposal?
No, I'm sorry, but I cannot accept it. - 一緒にこのプロジェクトを進めましょう。
いや、私は他の案があるかもしれません。Let's proceed with this project together.
No, I might have another suggestion. - 一緒にパーティーに行こうよ！
ごめん、今日は遅くまで勉強しなきゃいけないから、だめだな。Let's go to the party together!
Sorry, I have to study until late today, so it's a no.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are discussing a plan for the weekend.
- 陽太 Yota日曜日に買い物に行こうか？Nichiyōbi ni kaimono ni ikō ka?Shall we go shopping on Sunday?
- 結衣 Yuiいいえ、むしろ家でゆっくりしたいです。iie, mushiro ie de yukkuri shitai desu.No, or rather, I want to relax at home.
- 陽太 Yotaそうだったね。じゃあ、家で映画を見よう。Sō datta ne. Jā, ie de eiga o miyō.That's true. Then, let's watch a movie at home.
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね、そうしましょう。Ii desu ne, sō shimashō.That sounds good, let's do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry いいえ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
