断ります（ことわります、kotowarimasu）
- to refuse

The Japanese word 断ります (ことわります, *kotowarimasu*) primarily means "to refuse," "to decline," or "to turn down." It implies a polite but firm rejection of an offer, request, invitation, or proposal. It can also mean "to decline (something offered)," such as food or a gift. The core meaning focuses on not accepting something. The word conveys a sense of politeness and respect, making it suitable for various social situations where you need to say "no." 断ります is a polite form of the verb, and the meaning can change slightly depending on the context.

⚫︎お誘い、断ります。 Translation: I decline the invitation. ⚫︎申し訳ありませんが、その提案は断ります。 Translation: I'm sorry, but I have to decline that proposal. ⚫︎プレゼントは、遠慮して断ります。 Translation: I'll pass on the present.

⚫︎断ります is used in formal and polite settings. ⚫︎It's crucial for declining invitations, offers, or requests in a respectful manner. ⚫︎It shows consideration for the other person's feelings while clearly conveying your refusal. ⚫︎When used, it's often preceded by phrases like 申し訳ありませんが(もうしわけありませんが, *mōshiwake arimasen ga*, "I'm sorry, but...") or 遠慮します(えんりょします, *enryo shimasu*, "I'll decline") to soften the refusal. ⚫︎断ります can be used in various situations, such as declining an invitation to a party, a job offer, or a request for help.

⚫︎The word is written in kanji as 断ります, but it is often written in hiragana as ことわります. ⚫︎The verb stem is 断(ことわ), and the polite -masu form is 断(ことわ)ります. ⚫︎The okurigana (hiragana following the kanji) is ります. There are no other common variations in writing.

⚫︎断る(ことわる, *kotowaru*) - the plain form of 断ります ⚫︎拒否する(きょひする, *kyohi suru*) - to refuse, to reject (more formal) ⚫︎辞退する(じたいする, *jitai suru*) - to decline, to refuse (used for offers or appointments) ⚫︎遠慮する(えんりょする, *enryo suru*) - to decline, to refrain (often used when refusing something offered, showing politeness)

⚫︎承諾する(しょうだくする, *shōdaku suru*) - to accept, to agree ⚫︎受ける(うける, *ukeru*) - to accept, to receive ⚫︎引き受ける(ひきうける, *hikiukeru*) - to take on, to accept

明日のパーティーへのご招待、ありがとうございます。ですが、残念ながら、都合が悪く、断ります。 ・Translation: Thank you for inviting me to the party tomorrow. However, unfortunately, I have other plans, so I will have to decline. ・Explanation: This sentence politely declines an invitation. It expresses gratitude before stating the reason for refusal.

新しいプロジェクトへの参加のお誘い、誠にありがとうございます。ですが、現状の業務が多忙のため、今回は断らせていただきます。 ・Translation: Thank you very much for inviting me to participate in the new project. However, due to the current heavy workload, I will have to decline this time. ・Explanation: This sentence politely declines participation in a project, giving the reason for the refusal. The *masu-stem + seru* form ("*saseru*") of the verb means "to allow," or "let" or "to make someone do something", so it shows deference.

The kanji 断 means "to cut off," "to sever," or "to refuse." The verb 断る derives from this kanji. The etymology reflects the core meaning of the word—to cut off or stop something, which in this case, refers to declining or refusing an offer or request.