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This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

断る

断わる

Reading

Kana: ことわる
Romaji: kotowaru
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

v5r
vt
1

to refuse; to reject; to dismiss; to turn down; to decline

2

to inform; to give notice; to tell in advance

3

to ask leave; to excuse oneself (from)

Kanji

断
Readings: ダン、 た.つ、 ことわ.る、 さだ.める
Meanings: severance, decline, refuse, apologize, warn, dismiss, prohibit, decision, judgement, cutting

Example Sentences

彼(かれ)は握手(あくしゅ)を断(ことわ)った。
➥He refused to shake hands.
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その申(もう)し出(で)を断(ことわ)った。
➥I rejected the offer.
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彼(かれ)はきっぱりと断(ことわ)った。
➥He gave a flat refusal.
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彼(かれ)は治療(ちりょう)を断(ことわ)られた。
➥He was refused medical treatment.
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彼(かれ)は断固(だんこ)として断(ことわ)った。
➥He gave a firm refusal.
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私(わたし)は彼(かれ)の要求(ようきゅう)を断(ことわ)った。
➥I couldn't help but turn down his offer.
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