How to say "No" in Japanese

When translating "no" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between まさか and いや. In Japanese, まさか (まさか (masaka)) is typically associated with "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！』. On the other hand, いや (いや (iya)) maps to "no; unpleasant; reluctant; disagreeable" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A direct and somewhat informal way to say "no" or express refusal. Can also mean "unpleasant" or "disagreeable." Often used to express strong negative feeling or rejection.. A literal translation of "no" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!