What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is derived from the noun 却下, which means rejection or dismissal, often used in formal or legal contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term 却下された carries a formal, administrative or legal tone and is not used for casual social rejections like a romantic rejection. If you need to express rejection in different social contexts, you might use these alternatives: Formal:
– お断りいたします (I'm sorry, but I must decline / I regret to inform you)
– お受けできません (I'm afraid I cannot accept)
– お応えできません (I regret I can't comply / I'm unable to meet your request) Informal:
– 残念だけど、ダメ (Sorry, but no / Unfortunately, not possible)
– ごめん、無理 (Sorry, it's impossible)
– ちょっと… (A hesitant way to say you are not interested or are unsure).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 却下された is the passive past tense of the verb 却下する, which indicates that the action of rejection was performed upon the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
kyakkasareta
Did you know?
- While 却下された is used for formal dismissals, romantic rejection in Japanese is often described using the word 振られた, which literally means 'to be shaken off'.
- In Japanese business culture, a direct 'rejected' is often avoided. Instead, people use the phrase 検討します, meaning 'I will consider it', to politely signal a rejection without saying the word.
- The kanji 却 in 却下 contains the radical for 'door', reflecting the image of someone being physically shut out or a door being closed on a request.
Examples in context
- その企画は却下された。Sono kikaku wa kyakka sareta.That proposal was rejected.
- 私の提案は上司に却下された。Watashi no teian wa joushi ni kyakka sareta.My suggestion was rejected by my boss.
- 予算案が却下されたので、困っています。Yosan-an ga kyakka sareta node, komatte imasu.I am in trouble because the budget plan was rejected.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a project idea at the office.
- 大翔 Hiroto新しい企画、どうだった？Atarashii kikaku, dou datta?How did the new project go?
- 美咲 Misaki残念ながら却下されたよ。Zannennagara kyakka sareta yo.Unfortunately, it was rejected.
- 大翔 Hirotoえっ、どうして？E, doushite?What, why?
- 美咲 Misaki予算が多すぎたみたいだね。Yosan ga oosugita mitai da ne.It seems the budget was too high.
