Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Refuse" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "refuse", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
拒否する
きょひする (kyohi suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
拒む
こばむ (kobamu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "refuse" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 拒否する and 拒む.
In Japanese, 拒否する (きょひする (kyohi suru)) is typically associated with "to refuse, to reject" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used in formal or official contexts. Describes the act of declining or turning down something.
On the other hand, 拒む (こばむ (kobamu)) maps to "refuse; reject; decline; deny; block entry" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to refusing, rejecting, declining an offer/request, or physically blocking someone's entry/actions. Often used as 要求を拒む. A literal translation of "refuse" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "拒否する"
会社はその要求を拒否した。
The company rejected the request.
Bilingual Context for "拒む"
プライバシーの侵害にあたる過度な質問に対し、彼女は回答を強く_______ました。
Toward excessive questions that infringe on privacy, she strongly refused to answer.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会社はその要求を拒否した。" (Meaning: "The company rejected the request.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "拒否する" fits here because it means "to refuse, to reject" in the context of: "The company rejected the request.". "拒む" represents "refuse; reject; decline; deny; block entry".