Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to say no in Japanese but didn’t know how? Maybe you were asked to do something you didn’t want to do, or maybe you simply didn’t have the time. Whatever the reason, saying no in Japanese can be a bit tricky. The Japanese language is very polite, and there are a number of ways to say no without being rude. In this article, we will teach you some of the most common ways to say no in Japanese, as well as some tips on how to use them politely.
One of the most common ways to say no in Japanese is to use the word “iie” (pronounced “ee-eh”). This word is typically used in response to a question or request, and it simply means “no.” However, “iie” can sound a bit abrupt, so it is often used in conjunction with other words or phrases to soften the tone. For example, you could say “iie, sumimasen” (pronounced “ee-eh, soo-mee-ma-sen”) which means “no, I’m sorry.” Or, you could say “iie, kekko desu” (pronounced “ee-eh, kek-ko desu”) which means “no, thank you.” Furthermore, you can also use the phrase “chotto” (pronounced “cho-tto”) which means “a little bit” or “just a moment” to soften the refusal. For instance, if someone asks you to go out for drinks, you can say “chotto matte kudasai” (pronounced “cho-tto ma-tte ku-da-sai”) which means “please wait a moment.” This gives you a bit of time to think about your response and to come up with a more polite way to say no.
Another way to say no in Japanese is to use the phrase “できません” (pronounced “dekimasen”). This phrase literally means “I can’t,” and it is often used when you are unable to do something due to a lack of time, resources, or ability. For example, if someone asks you to help them move, you could say “できません、すみません” (pronounced “dekimasen, sumimasen”) which means “I can’t, I’m sorry.” In addition, you may also use the phrase “muri desu” (pronounced “moo-ree desu”) which means “it’s impossible” to express your inability to do something. For instance, if someone asks you to run a marathon, you can say “muri desu” (pronounced “moo-ree desu”) to decline their request. Lastly, the phrase “dame desu” (pronounced “da-meh desu”) which means “it’s not good” can also be used to express your refusal. For example, if someone asks you to borrow your car, you can say “dame desu” (pronounced “da-meh desu”) to deny their request.
Politely Declining an Offer
In Japanese, there are a number of polite phrases you can use to decline an offer gracefully. Here are a few of the most common:
Sumimasen ga, o断りさせていただきます。 (soo-mee-ma-sen ga, o-ことわり-させて-いただき-ます)
“I’m sorry, but I must decline.”
Arigatou gozaimasu ga, jibun no hou de yomugi ga arimasu. (a-ri-ga-tou go-zai-ma-su ga, ji-bun no hou de yo-mu-gi ga a-ri-ma-su)
“Thank you, but I have my own plans.”
Tsugi no kikai ni. (tsu-gi no ki-kai ni)
“Maybe next time.”
Iie, kekkou desu. (i-e, kek-kou de-su)
“No, thank you.”
Here is a table summarizing the different phrases and their meanings:
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sumimasen ga, o断りさせていただきます。 | I’m sorry, but I must decline. |
| Arigatou gozaimasu ga, jibun no hou de yomugi ga arimasu. | Thank you, but I have my own plans. |
| Tsugi no kikai ni. | Maybe next time. |
| Iie, kekkou desu. | No, thank you. |
When declining an offer, it is important to be polite and respectful. Avoid using direct or confrontational language. Instead, focus on expressing your gratitude for the offer and explaining your reasons for declining.
Expressing Hesitation or Indecision
When you need to convey hesitation or indecision in Japanese, you can use the following expressions:
1. E~to… (えーと…)
This interjection is often used to indicate a pause or hesitation in speech. It can be used at the beginning of a sentence or as a filler word to gain time while thinking.
2. Shiranai (知らない)
Meaning “I don’t know,” this phrase can be used to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge about something. It can also be combined with other expressions to soften the refusal or indicate a lack of confidence in the answer.
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shiranai desu | “I don’t know.” |
| Shiranai ka na | “I’m not sure.” |
| Shiranai mon | “I have no idea.” |
3. Wakaranai (わからない)
Similar to “shiranai,” “wakaranai” means “I don’t understand” or “I don’t know.” It can be used to express confusion or a lack of comprehension.
4. Chotto… (ちょっと…)
“Chotto” literally means “a little” or “a bit.” However, it can also be used as an interjection to express hesitation or uncertainty. It can be used before another phrase or as a stand-alone utterance.
Refusing a Request
When politely declining a request in Japanese, there are several respectful ways to do so. One common phrase is “sumimasen, ga…”, which translates to “Excuse me, but…”. This is typically followed by a reason for declining, such as: “ima wa isogashii desu” (I’m busy right now) or “kyō wa dame desu” (Not today). The ending “desu” conveys politeness and respect.
Another option is to use the phrase “chotto…”, which means “a little bit…” or “not really”. This is a more informal approach, suitable for declining requests from close friends or family. For example, “chotto…densha ga desu” (I’m a little…the train is…) indicates that one is too busy to help or participate in an activity.
In certain situations, it may be necessary to decline a request more directly. In these cases, the phrase “kotowaremasu” (I refuse) can be used. However, this should be used sparingly, as it can come across as impolite or dismissive. Instead, it’s better to provide a brief explanation or excuse for the refusal, such as “jibun no shigoto ga isogashii desu” (My own work is busy), or “tabete wa ikemasen” (I can’t eat that).
| Phrase | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Sumimasen, ga… | Excuse me, but… | Polite refusal with a reason |
| Chotto… | A little bit… | Informal refusal for close acquaintances |
| Kotowaremasu | I refuse | Direct refusal (use sparingly) |
Saying No Indirectly
Japanese culture values politeness and indirect communication. Saying “no” directly can be considered impolite, so it’s often expressed indirectly through phrases that subtly convey rejection. Here are some common ways to say no indirectly in Japanese:
Hesitating or Vague Responses
| Japanese Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Chotto… | Just a moment… |
| Shibaraku matte kudasai | Could you wait a little while? |
These phrases indicate hesitation or a need for time to consider, suggesting that you’re not immediately ready to agree.
Suggesting Alternatives
| Japanese Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Kantan de aru to ii no desu ga… | I wish it were easier, but… |
| Sore wa muzukashii desu ne | That might be a bit challenging, unfortunately |
Offering an alternative solution or acknowledging the challenge conveys that you may not be able to fulfill the request.
Expressing Difficulty
| Japanese Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Jissai, ima wa… | Honestly, right now… |
| Yoi an ga aru to omoimashita ga… | I thought I might have a good idea, but… |
Stating that the situation is difficult or that you’ve considered but found no good solution indirectly implies that you can’t help.
Using Body Language to Convey Refusal
Body language can be an effective way to communicate refusal without uttering a word. In Japanese culture, certain nonverbal cues are particularly significant in conveying refusal.
1. Tilting the Head: Subtly tilting the head to the side or down can convey hesitation or reluctance. This gesture suggests that the listener is considering the request but may not be inclined to accept it.
2. Avoiding Eye Contact: In Japanese culture, direct eye contact is associated with respect and sincerity. However, when refusing a request, it is common to break eye contact momentarily. This helps to soften the refusal and avoid confrontation.
3. Gestures of Concealment: Covering the mouth or crossing the arms can indicate that the speaker feels uncomfortable or reluctant. These gestures create a physical barrier that reinforces the refusal.
4. Negative Body Language: Subtle signs of negative body language, such as frowning, narrowing the eyes, or hunching the shoulders, can all convey disapproval or discomfort. These gestures communicate that the speaker is not inclined to accept the request.
5. Defensive Posture: Crossing the arms or legs, turning the body away, or leaning back can indicate a defensive stance. These postures suggest that the speaker is protecting themselves or setting up a barrier to distance themselves from the request.
| Body Language Cue | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tilting the Head | Hesitation or Reluctance |
| Avoiding Eye Contact | Softening the Refusal |
| Gestures of Concealment | Discomfort or Reluctance |
| Negative Body Language | Disapproval or Discomfort |
| Defensive Posture | Protection or Barrier |
Handling Persistent Requestors
Dealing with persistent requestors can be a tricky situation, but there are several polite and effective ways to say no in Japanese.
Firstly, try using the phrase “sumimasen ga” followed by your decline. This translates to “I’m sorry, but…” and conveys a sense of apology while still maintaining a firm boundary.
Another option is to use the phrase “dekimasen.” This simply means “I can’t” and is a direct way to decline without offering an explanation.
If the requestor continues to persist, you can use the phrase “doomo sumimasen ga…” (I’m really sorry, but…) to reinforce your decline.
Additionally, you can try using the phrase “chotto muzukashii desu” (it’s a bit difficult). This conveys that the request is not feasible without directly saying “no.”
If all else fails, you can resort to the phrase “kochira no tsugo ga waruku” (it’s not convenient for me). This is a more direct way to decline and should be used sparingly.
| Persistent Requestor Phrases | Polite Japanese Declines |
|---|---|
| "Onegai shimasu" (Please) | "Sumimasen ga…" (I’m sorry, but…) |
| "Yatte kudasai" (Please do it) | "Dekimasen." (I can’t.) |
| "Kaite kudasai" (Please buy it) | "Doomo sumimasen ga…" (I’m really sorry, but…) |
| "Ashi o totte kudasai" (Please help me) | "Chotto muzukashii desu." (It’s a bit difficult.) |
| "Sonna koto arimasen ka?" (Can’t you?) | "Kochira no tsugo ga waruku" (It’s not convenient for me.) |
Saying No Assertively
When you need to say no firmly and directly, use the following phrases:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Iie | No |
| Dame | No, I won’t do it |
| Dekimasen | I can’t do it |
| Yamete | Stop it |
Use these phrases with a strong tone of voice and maintain eye contact. Be clear and direct in your refusal, and don’t give any excuses or apologies.
When Dealing with a Persistent Person
If the person continues to push you after you’ve said no, use the following strategies:
- Repeat your refusal firmly and calmly.
- State your reasons for saying no (if you’re comfortable doing so).
- Set boundaries and let the person know that they’re not allowed to pressure you.
- If necessary, end the conversation or walk away.
Remember, it’s okay to say no when you need to. Be assertive and respectful, and don’t be afraid to defend your boundaries.
Saying No in Formal Situations
In formal situations, it’s important to be polite and respectful when saying no. Here are some phrases to use:
Using “Kekkou desu”
“Kekkou desu” (けっこうです) is a versatile phrase that can mean “no, thank you” or “that’s OK.” It’s a polite way to decline an offer or request.
Using “Sumimasen ga…”
“Sumimasen ga…” (すみませんですが…) translates to “Excuse me, but…” This phrase should be followed by your reason for saying no.
Using “Doushita shimashite…”
“Doushita shimashite…” (どういたしましたし…) means “You’re welcome.” However, it can also be used to decline an offer or request. This phrase implies that you’re not willing to accept the offer or that it’s not necessary.
Using “Shitsurei desu ga…”
“Shitsurei desu ga…” (失礼ですが…) translates to “Excuse my rudeness, but…” This phrase should be used when you need to say no directly but want to be polite.
Using “Okotowari itashimasu”
“Okotowari itashimasu” (お断りいたします) is a formal way to say “I decline.” This phrase is often used in business and official settings.
Using “No” in Japanese
While it’s generally discouraged to use “no” directly in Japanese, there are some situations where it may be necessary. In such cases, use the word “iie” (いいえ).
Additional Tips
* Maintain eye contact and speak clearly and calmly.
* Use respectful body language, such as bowing.
* Avoid using negative or confrontational language.
* Offer an alternative or compromise if possible.
Formal Phrases in Table
| Phrase | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Kekkou desu | No, thank you | Declining an offer or request |
| Sumimasen ga… | Excuse me, but… | Declining an offer or request with a reason |
| Doushita shimashite… | You’re welcome | Declining an offer or request, implying it’s not necessary |
How To Say No In Japanese
There are a few different ways to say no in Japanese, depending on the situation. The most common way is to say “iie” (pronounced “ee-eh”). This is a polite way to say no, and it can be used in most situations.
If you want to be more forceful, you can say “iya” (pronounced “ee-yah”). This is a more direct way to say no, and it should only be used in informal situations.
You can also use the phrase “sumimasen ga, …” (pronounced “soo-mee-mah-sen ga, …”) to say no. This phrase means “I’m sorry, but …” and it can be used to soften the blow of saying no.
People Also Ask
How do you say no politely in Japanese?
The most polite way to say no in Japanese is to say “iie” (pronounced “ee-eh”).
How do you say no firmly in Japanese?
To say no firmly in Japanese, you can say “iya” (pronounced “ee-yah”).
How do you say no without offending someone in Japanese?
You can say no without offending someone in Japanese by using the phrase “sumimasen ga, …” (pronounced “soo-mee-mah-sen ga, …”). This phrase means “I’m sorry, but …” and it can be used to soften the blow of saying no.
