How to say 'Refuse' in Japanese | 断る

Wondering how to say 'Refuse' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Refuse is 'Kotowaru', written as 断る in Japanese.'Refuse' in hiragana is ことわる.

word

断る

Meaning

Refuse

Reading

ことわる

kotowaru

Kanji

断Decide, Cut off

Explanation

The Japanese verb '断る (ことわる)' means 'to refuse' or 'to decline'. It is used when someone rejects an offer, request, or invitation. This verb often carries a polite connotation, as it is commonly used in formal or respectful situations. For example: I refused the invitation「招待を断りました」(しょうたいをことわりました). He declined the offer「彼はその申し出を断った」(かれはそのもうしでをことわった). It can also imply a firm or decisive refusal, depending on the context. Note that '断る' is often used in situations where the refusal is communicated clearly and respectfully.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

2084

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

This word is an ichidan verb. To learn how it transforms in different tenses and forms, explore all its conjugations.

Kanji in the Word 断る

This word contains 1 kanji character:

kanji

断

Meaning

Decide, Cut off

Hiragana in the Word 断る

This word contains 1 Hiragana character :

hiragana

る

Reading

Words Related to 断る Through the Kanji 断

These 10 Words contain the Kanji 断 as well.

word

判断

Meaning

Judgment

word

横断歩道

Meaning

Crosswalk

word

横断

Meaning

Crossing

word

診断

Meaning

Diagnosis

word

決断

Meaning

Decision

word

断つ

Meaning

Cut, Sever

word

中断

Meaning

Interruption

word

断水

Meaning

Water cut off

word

油断

Meaning

Carelessness

word

断定

Meaning

Conclusion

Learn the Word 断る

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What does 'Kotowaru' (断る) mean?

'Kotowaru' means 'Refuse' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.