Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Refuse" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "refuse", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
断る
ことわる (kotowaru)
N4 / 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 断る and 拒む.
In Japanese, 断る (ことわる (kotowaru)) is typically associated with "to refuse, to decline" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To say no to an invitation, request, or offer. It can sometimes sound direct, so often softened with expressions like 申し訳ありませんが.
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 "断る"
忙しかったので、友達の誘いを断りました。
I was busy, so I declined my friend's invitation.
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: "忙しかったので、友達の誘いを断りました。" (Meaning: "I was busy, so I declined my friend's invitation.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "断る" fits here because it means "to refuse, to decline" in the context of: "I was busy, so I declined my friend's invitation.". "拒む" represents "refuse; reject; decline; deny; block entry".