Different ways to say no in Japanese

In Japan saying no can be complicated. The Japanese rarely use the word “no” directly to refuse or deny something to someone. They prefer to give an indirect answer rather than refuse with a simple no. The Japanese value harmony at all costs, which makes it difficult to use certain words. In this article, we'll look at several ways to say not In japanese.

Most should know that the main word used to say no, é hey (いいえ). There is also the word nai (ない) which is usually added at the end of verbs as a negative. These are common words that are often used, but the Japanese do not usually deny or refuse things using these words.

Some Japanese in the difficulty of answering some questions end up using the expression chotto (ちょっと) Which means something like "wait a little" or "a moment". Some already understand as a way of trying to say no, especially if it is in questions like: Do you want to go in place tomorrow? What do you think about doing something?

Different ways to say no in Japanese

That is, if someone says that they will think about it or things like that, possibly he wants to say no but he is ashamed. Expressions like kento sasete kudasai (I will consider) or kangaeteokimasu (I will think) can be vital words.

Even when denying a request the Japanese use yes to say no. Example: How would you answer the question: Can't you come today? Some would respond - no i can't. The Japanese would answer yes i can't.

Iya [いや] and negative justification

When asking a question in Japanese, even if the answer is no, it is unlikely that a Japanese person will use the expression iie [いいえ]. It is very likely that he uses nai [ない] or not even that.

Often Japanese will respond with sounds, and then justify it with a negative sentence with a verb ending in “masen” [ません]. These sounds before the answer can usually be:

  • いや
  • ああ
  • いえ

In real life, "Iya" [いや] is the most common way to say no in Japanese. Its use is usually complemented by the negative sentence or sometimes by a "nai desu" [ないです].

The big problem is that [いや] can also be used in an affirmative sentence, which can confuse some people. In some situations it is used to represent surprise or exclamation.

If you are a trader, he can also use a more abbreviated version of "III" [いいえ], saying only "IE" [いえ]. The term [いいえ] is more often used as "nothing", or "it was nothing a simple one.

Ways to say no in Japanese

Other alternatives of saying no directly are:

  • lady (ダメ) - It is not good, it cannot, wrong, forbidden;
  • Dekinai (出来ない) - I can't, I can't (do);
  • Muri (無理) - Impossible, irrational, unjustifiable;

The words below are not necessarily denials, but they can be used to deny or decline requests as a no:

  • chicago (違う) - Different, that's not it, differ;
  • Kekkou desu (結構です) - No thanks;
  • Untranslatable (厳しい) - difficult, rigorous, intense (conditions);
  • Ikemasen (行けません) - I can't (IR);
  • Taihen (大変) – very difficult, terribly, immense, serious, trouble;
  • No translation available. (嫌) unpleasant, reluctant;
  • Moushiwakenai Sorry, I feel so;
  • Bimyou (微妙) - difficult, delicate, complicated situation;
  • Busy (忙しい) - Very busy;

There is also the confusing uOdaiba (ううん). This expression can be used to say no or deny something, but at the same time, depending on the way you speak, the uun it could be a yes or confirmation of something.

Different ways to say no in Japanese
How to say no to Monika? (Doki Doki Literature Club)

Saying no the right way

If someone invites you to do something, you can easily use the expressions isogashii, I can't go or dekinai. If someone asks or suggests something embarrassing, or impossible, you can respond. muri, Give me, It's quite all right and taihen. Just see the essence and meaning of the word to know how to use it correctly.

Some of these words will only make sense if you use them within a context or sentence. Remember to always use expressions like sorry (ごめんなさい) and thank you (ありがとう) on multiple occasions when refusing something. You can quote something positive about the request and use a “but” (だけど).

The word dekinai which means cannot, usually shows the speaker's regret because circumstances did not allow otherwise. Words like Moushiwakenai and Busy are formal and are often used a lot at work. If you're really busy, the person is unlikely to invite you to another day or something.

These were some of the ways to deny and say no in Japanese without using the word. I hope you enjoyed this little article. We appreciate the shares and comments. We also recommend reading:

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