Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| いいえ | iie | [iːe̞] (narrow) | polite |
| いえ | ie | polite | |
| ううん | u'un | [m̩ː˦˨˦] (narrow) [ɯ̟̃ᵝː˦˨˦] (narrow) |
informal |
| 違う | chigau | [t͡ɕiɡa̠ɯ̟] (narrow) [ta̠ɡa̠ɯ̟] (narrow) |
|
| いや | iya | [ija̠] (narrow) |
The word is used to show disagreement or negation. While いいえ and いえ function as direct negations, other forms like 違う are used specifically to indicate that a statement is incorrect or different. In certain contexts, いや serves as a casual way to begin a sentence to negate a previous statement, similar to saying 'No, but…' or 'Nah…'.
Which one should you use?
いいえ is used as a direct negation, whereas 違う is often used to mean 'no' in the sense of 'that is incorrect' or 'that is not the case'. いや acts as a casual way to start a sentence to negate a previous point.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For polite situations, you can use いいえ or its more natural-sounding, slightly shortened variation いえ. For informal speech among friends or family, use ううん or いや.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Related to these forms are expressions meaning 'not any', such as 無い, ない or ありません, as well as negating expressions like しない and ません.
How do you pronounce it?
iie
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often over-use いいえ to respond to offers. Instead, Japanese speakers are more likely to use phrases like 結構です (it's fine/no thank you) or simply decline the specific verb.
When do people say it?
When declining an offer or invitation, Japanese speakers use various levels of politeness. In formal settings, you might use 結構です to indirectly and politely say 'no' by literally saying 'it's fine'. For a more direct and respectful refusal, お断りいたします or the apologetic 恐れ入りますが、お断りさせていただきます are appropriate. In informal settings, you can use いや、ちょっと to mean 'No, thanks' or それはちょっと… to express hesitation. Among acquaintances, the casual expression ごめんなさい、遠慮させてもらうよ can be used to say 'Sorry, but I'm going to decline'.
Did you know?
- The word 違う literally translates to 'the road crosses', implying that a statement is 'off the path' rather than just being a simple 'no'.
- The phrase それはちょっと… (That is a bit…) is a common way to say 'no' by leaving the sentence unfinished, relying on the listener to understand the unspoken refusal.
- If you want to say 'no' to a suggestion in a soft, non-confrontational way, you can use 遠慮させてもらうよ, which literally means 'I will receive the liberty to refrain'.
Examples in context
- いや、全然。No, not at all.This is useful for seeing how to use いや to negate a statement.Tatoeba #1838410 by small_snow, translation #880484 by CK
- 違うってば。I said no.This shows how to use 違う to insist that something is not the case.Tatoeba #3488053 by arnab, translation #2405884 by CK
- いえ、結構です。No, thank you.This demonstrates how to use いえ in a polite refusal.Tatoeba #229316 by bunbuku, translation #31390 by CK
- 申し訳ございませんが、他の予定が入ってしまっていますので、参加できません。I'm sorry, but I already have another commitment, so I won't be able to attend.
- 232 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking at the office.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さん、この仕事はもう終わりましたか？Misaki-san, kono shigoto wa mou owarimashita ka?Ms. Misaki, have you finished this work already?
- 美咲 Misakiいいえ、まだ終わっていません。Iie, mada owatte imasen.No, I haven't finished yet.
- 健太 Kentaそうですか。手伝いましょうか？Sou desu ka. Tetsudaimashou ka?I see. Shall I help you?
- 美咲 Misakiいいえ、大丈夫です。ありがとうございます。Iie, daijoubu desu. Arigatou gozaimasu.No, I'm fine. Thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries いいえ, いえ, ううん, 違う, いや, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries いいえ, いえ, 違う, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
