How to say "Refuse" in Japanese

When translating "refuse" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 断る and 拒否する. 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, 拒否する (きょひする (kyohi suru)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "refuse" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!