How to say "No" in Japanese

When translating "no" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between どうしても and まさか. In Japanese, どうしても (どうしても (doushitemo)) is typically associated with "no matter what; by all means; at any cost; inevitably; no matter how hard one tries (with negative)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Indicates a strong determination to achieve something at any cost, or with a negative verb, expresses that something is impossible no matter how hard one tries. Often used as どうしても成功させたい or どうしても思い出せない. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'No matter what/by all means! "I want to express my vow to make you happy as a proposal right now no matter what, Haruka-san!" ...っ! No matter what! B-Baka! What is with that passionate intensity! But... since you insist so much, make sure you stay next to me as my exclusive husband for the rest of your life! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『どうしても（どうしても）よ！『ハルカ部長、どうしてもあなたを幸せにする誓いを今すぐプロポーズとして伝えたいです！』って…っ！どうしても！バカ！/// 何その熱烈な一途さ！…でも、そこまで言うなら、一生私だけの旦那様として、私の隣で尽くし続けなさいよね！』. On the other hand, まさか (まさか (masaka)) maps to "by no means; never; dream of; surely... not (with negative / surprise)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses strong surprise, disbelief, or conviction that a certain event could never happen. Often used as まさかそんなことが or まさか合格するとは. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'By no means/surely... not! "I never dreamed in my life that you would become this sweet-dere, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Surely not dere! B-Baka! Wh-Who is dere! It's just because you are so unreliable that I have to...っ! But, since this sweet face is my exclusive special for you, make sure to monopolize it for life! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『まさか（まさか）よ！『ハルカ部長、まさか（信じられないことに）あなたがこんなにデレデレの甘々になるなんて、夢にも思わなかったです！』って…っ！まさかデレるなんて！バカ！/// だ、誰がデレてるっていうのよ！ただあんたが頼りないから仕方なく側に…っ！でも、このデレはあんただけの特別なんだから、一生独占しなさい！』. A literal translation of "no" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!