CEFR A1

いいえ

Translation

no / not at all / you're welcome

Meaning

A word used to express negation or disagreement. It's the direct opposite of 'yes'. You use it when answering a question in the negative, or to politely decline an offer or invitation. It can also be used to mean 'not at all' or 'you're welcome' in response to an apology or thank you, respectively.

Examples

A: コーヒーはいかがですか？ B: いいえ、結構です。
A: Would you like some coffee? B: No, thank you.
A: 昨日は雨でしたか？ B: いいえ、晴れでした。
A: Was it rainy yesterday? B: No, it was sunny.

Definition

意味: 否定や不同意を表す言葉で、「はい」の直接的な反対です。質問に否定的に答えるときや、申し出や招待を丁寧に断るときに使います。また、謝罪や感謝の言葉に対して「とんでもない」や「どういたしまして」という意味で使うこともできます。

Examples / 例文

A: コーヒーはいかがですか？ B: いいえ、結構です。 — A: Would you like some coffee? B: No, thank you.

A: 昨日は雨でしたか？ B: いいえ、晴れでした。 — A: Was it rainy yesterday? B: No, it was sunny.

A: 手伝ってくれてありがとう。 B: いいえ、どういたしまして。 — A: Thank you for your help. B: Not at all, you're welcome.

How to Use No

No, thank you. (polite refusal)

Politely declining an offer or suggestion. — "A: Would you like another slice of cake? B: No, thank you."

No problem. (response to thanks/apology)

Indicating that something was not an inconvenience, similar to 'you're welcome' or 'it's alright'. — "A: Thanks for helping me move. B: No problem!"

No way! (exclamation of disbelief/strong refusal)

Expressing strong disbelief or a very firm refusal. — "A: I heard you have to work on Saturday. B: No way! I already made plans."

いいえ