In Japan, saying no can be somewhat complicated. Japanese people rarely use the word "no" directly to refuse or deny something to someone. They prefer to give an indirect response instead of refusing with a simple no. Japanese people value harmony at all costs, which makes it difficult to use certain words. In this article, we will explore various ways to say no in 日本語.
Most people should know that the main word used to say no, is iie (いいえ). There is also the word nai (ない) that is usually added at the end of verbs as negative. These are common words that are often used frequently, but Japanese people do not usually deny or refuse things using these words.
Some Japanese people, when having difficulty answering certain questions, end up using the expression chotto (ちょっと), which means something like "wait a little" or "one moment." Some already understand it as a way of trying to say no, especially in questions like: Do you want to go somewhere tomorrow? What do you think about doing something?
In other words, if someone says that they will think about the subject or things like that, they might possibly mean no but are too shy to say it. Expressions like kento sasete kudasa (consider it) or kangaeteokimasu (I will think) can be vital words.
Even when denying a request, Japanese people use yes to say no. For example: How would you respond to the question: Can't you come today? Some would respond - No, I can't. Japanese people would respond yes, I can't.
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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
- あ
- や
- 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:
- I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that. (ダメ) - Not good, 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:
- Different (違う) - Different, that's not it, differ;
- That's fine. (結構です) - No thanks;
- Harsh (厳しい) - Difficult, rigorous, intense (conditions);
- Ikemasen (行けません) - I can't (go);
- Taihen (大変) - very difficult, terribly, immense, serious, problem;
- Iya (嫌) unpleasant, reluctant;
- Moushiwakenai (申し訳ない) I'm sorry, I'm sorry;
- Bimyou (subtle) - difficult, delicate, complicated situation;
- Busy (忙しい) - Very busy, busy;
There is also the confusing uun (ううん). This expression can be used to say no or deny something, but at the same time, depending on how you say it, uun can be a yes or confirmation of something.
Saying no the right way
If someone invites you to do something, you can easily use the expressions isogashii, ikemasen, or dekinai. If someone asks for or suggests something embarrassing or impossible, you can respond with muri, dame, kekkou desu, and taihen. Just look at 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. 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, often shows the speaker's regret because circumstances did not allow for the opposite. Words like Moushiwakenai and Isogashii are formal and are often used a lot at work. If you are really busy, it is unlikely that the person will invite you for another day or anything like that.
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:
