いいえ、しません
iie, shimasen
In Japanese, the phrase "no, I don't" is translated as いいえ、しません (iie, shimasen).
This phrase is a polite way to answer a question in the negative when referring to a current habit or a future action. It can be translated as "No, I don't do it."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of iie, which means "no" and shimasen, which is the polite negative form of the verb suru, meaning "to do".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
いいえ、しません is a polite way to say "no, I don't" or "no, I won't" in a standard social setting. For a casual alternative, you can use いや、しない。
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb form shimasen functions as both a denial of a current habit and a refusal of a future action.
How do you pronounce it?
iie, shimasen
When do people say it?
Adding sumimasen before a response can make a declining statement more polite.
Did you know?
- In many business settings, instead of saying いいえ、しません, a person might simply say ちょっと… which means 'It is a bit…'. This unfinished sentence is a common, culturally coded way to say 'no' without actually saying the word.
- While いいえ is the textbook 'no', in casual settings it can actually mean 'don't mention it' or 'not at all' when responding to a thank you or a compliment.
- In business contexts, a person might say 検討します meaning 'I will consider it' even when they actually mean いいえ、しません.
Examples in context
- いや、明日は行かない。No, I won't go tomorrow.
- いや、それは食べたくない。No, I don't want to eat that.
- ごめん、そのCDはいらない。Sorry, I don't need that CD.
- 明日、掃除をしますか？ いいえ、しません。Ashita, souji o shimasu ka? Iie, shimasen.Will you clean tomorrow? No, I won't.
- 週末、勉強をしますか？ いいえ、しません。Shuumatsu, benkyou o shimasu ka? Iie, shimasen.Will you study this weekend? No, I won't.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about whether to play a video game.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔さんはゲームをしますか。Hiroto-san wa gēmu o shimasu ka.Do you play games, Hiroto?
- 大翔 Hirotoいいえ、しません。Iie, shimasen.No, I don't.
- 陽葵 Himariそうなんですね。Sō nan desu ne.I see.
- 大翔 Hiroto本を読むのが好きです。Hon o yomu no ga suki desu.I like reading books.
