synonym Comparative
遠慮する
VS
断る
Differences Between "遠慮する" and "断る"
Option A
遠慮する
Meaning
to hold back, to refrain from, to be reserved, to decline
Reading
えんりょする (enryo suru)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
気を使わずに、遠慮しないでください。
Please don't hesitate and make yourself at home.
Option B
断る
Meaning
to refuse, to decline
Reading
ことわる (kotowaru)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
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.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to hold back, to refrain from, to be reserved, to decline)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 遠慮する: To hesitate or hold back due to modesty, consideration for others, or politeness. Can mean to gently decline an offer or to be reserved. Often used in phrases like「遠慮なくどうぞ」(please don't hesitate).
- 断る: 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 (mōshiwake arimasen ga). 例: 誘いを断る、要求を断る。
- 遠慮する: To hesitate or hold back due to modesty, consideration for others, or politeness. Can mean to gently decline an offer or to be reserved. Often used in phrases like「遠慮なくどうぞ」(please don't hesitate).
- 断る: 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 (mōshiwake arimasen ga). 例: 誘いを断る、要求を断る。
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