Japanese word

断り

Pronunciation

Romajikotowari

Meaning

  • nounrefusal

Example

彼は丁寧な断りを伝えました。kare wa tei nei na kotowa ri o tsuta e ma shi ta

He gave a polite refusal.

Illustration for 断り (refusal)

More examples

一度した断りを、後から取り消すのは難しいです。ichi do shi ta kotowa ri o ato ka ra to ri ke su no wa muzuka shi i de su

It is difficult to withdraw a refusal once you have made it.

Core concept

Marks the point at which someone communicates that they cannot accept a request or offer.

Common phrases

  • 断りを入れるkotowa ri o i re ru

    give notice

  • 断りを受けるkotowa ri o u ke ru

    receive a refusal

  • 断りの理由kotowa ri no ri yū

    reason for refusal

Similar words

拒否kyohi: A clear decision not to accept a request, offer, or proposal.
辞退jitai: A formal decision to decline an offer, invitation, or position.
拒絶kyozetsu: A strong rejection that firmly denies acceptance of a request or offer.

Definition in Japanese

相手の依頼や申し出を受けられないと伝えること。ai te no i rai ya mō shi de o u ke ra re na i to tsuta e ru ko to

Word origin

The noun 断り (kotowari) is the continuative-stem form of the native verb 断る (kotowaru), meaning "to refuse" or "to notify beforehand."

Usage tips

  • The English word "refusal" can suggest a final rejection, while a 断り (kotowari) can also carry the practical sense of informing someone that a request cannot be accepted.

Other meanings

  • notificationnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 断り方kotowarikataway of refusingnoun

Word lists with this word