いいえ
iiepolite, standard
The standard polite "no" is いいえ (iie). In Japanese culture a direct no is often avoided, so people say 結構です (kekkō desu), "I am fine", or leave a sentence open with ちょっと… (chotto…).
Meaning: refusal in Japanese culture (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| いいえ | iie | polite, standard |
| 結構です | kekkō desu | polite, no thanks |
| ちょっと… | chotto… | indirect, softening |
いいえ (iie) is correct but sounds strong. 結構です (kekkō desu) politely declines an offer. ちょっと… (chotto…) means "it is a bit…" and signals that the answer is no.
Which one should you use?
Careful: 結構です (kekkō desu) can also mean "that is fine", so tone and context decide whether it is yes or no.
When do people say it?
To keep the other person comfortable, speakers soften a refusal with phrases like 難しいですね (muzukashii desu ne), "that is difficult". Listeners understand it as a no.
Did you know?
- A direct いいえ (iie) is also used to answer a compliment humbly, meaning "no, not at all".
Examples in context
- いいえ、違います。Iie, chigaimasu.No, that is not right.
- それはちょっと…Sore wa chotto…That is a bit difficult…
Example conversation
A shop clerk Ms. Abe offers a bag to a customer Mr. Ota.
- Ms. Abe袋はいかがですか。Fukuro wa ikaga desu ka.Would you like a bag?
- Mr. Otaいえ、結構です。Ie, kekkō desu.No, thank you.
- Ms. Abeかしこまりました。Kashikomarimashita.Certainly.
