断る
古代日本語から派生し、言葉を断つことを意味する。
VERB
(1)
[/だんとる/ja-JP]
refuse
literal
/
decline
literal
/
reject
literal
/
say no
casual
/
concept of refusal
untranslatable
(The nuance of '断る' involves not just refusal, but the act of explicitly cutting off a request or offer, which doesn't have a single word equivalent in ENGLISH.)
To refuse, decline, or reject an offer, request, or invitation. This word carries the nuance of explicitly cutting off or severing a connection related to the request, implying a definitive and sometimes firm rejection rather than a mere inability or hesitation. It encompasses the act of stating 'no' clearly and directly, reflecting its ancient Japanese etymology of '言葉を断つ' (to cut off words), a concept that doesn't have a single word equivalent in English.
一段動詞
| non-past | past | te-form |
|---|---|---|
| 断る | 断った | 断って |
- 招待を断るのは心苦しかった。 — It was difficult to decline the invitation.
- 彼は私の頼みをきっぱりと断った。 — He flatly refused my request.
- その提案は、すぐに断られました。 — That proposal was immediately rejected.
register: formal