Translation and Meaning of: 拒否 - kyohi

The Japanese word 拒否[きょひ] (kyohi) is a term that sparks curiosity both for its direct meaning and for its use in different contexts. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding how this word functions can be useful in daily life. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical applications, as well as tips for memorizing it more easily.

Rejection [きょひ] is frequently used in both formal and informal situations, but it carries significant weight depending on the context. Whether in legal documents, everyday conversations, or even in animes and dramas, this word appears with an interesting frequency. Let’s uncover its details so you can use it with confidence.

Meaning and usage of 拒否 [きょひ]

拒否[きょひ] means "refusal" or "denial" and is used to express the rejection of something, whether it be a proposal, a request, or even access. Unlike other similar words, it carries a more formal and decisive tone, often appearing in bureaucratic or legal contexts. For example, in Japanese airports, you might see signs with 入国拒否 (nyūkoku kyohi), which means "denial of entry into the country."

In everyday life, this word can also be used in more personal situations, such as declining an invitation or an offer. However, due to its direct nature, it is important to consider the tone of the conversation to avoid misunderstandings. In professional environments, 拒否[きょひ] is often used in documents and contracts to indicate terms of explicit refusal.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 拒否[きょひ] is composed of two kanji: 拒 (kyo), which means "to refuse" or "to resist," and 否 (hi), which carries the sense of "negation" or "refusal." Together, they reinforce the idea of a clear and objective rejection. It is interesting to note that both characters are often used in other terms related to negation, such as 拒絶 (kyozetsu - rejection) and 否定 (hitei - negation).

Analyzing the etymology, 拒 has its origins in ancient Chinese and is associated with the act of blocking or preventing, while 否 also comes from classical Chinese, with a meaning more related to disagreement. This combination creates a word that conveys a firm refusal, often with no room for negotiation, which explains its use in more serious contexts.

Tips for memorizing 拒否 [きょひ]

An effective way to remember 拒否[きょひ] is to associate it with everyday situations where refusal is necessary. For example, imagine yourself in a restaurant in Japan declining a dish you do not want – in this case, you could think of 拒否 to recall the act of saying "no." Another tip is to create flashcards with phrases like アクセスを拒否する (akusesu o kyohi suru - deny access) to reinforce practical usage.

In addition, observing the kanji 拒 can be helpful since it contains the radical 扌(てへん), related to manual actions, such as "holding" or "preventing". On the other hand, 否 has a simpler structure but carries the idea of negation in its essence. Practicing the writing of these kanjis also contributes to memorization, especially if you review them in real contexts, such as news or documents.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 断る (kotowaru) - Decline, reject (used in more formal contexts)
• 拒む (kobamu) - Refuse, oppose (implies a more active resistance)
• 拒否する (kyohi suru) - Deny, refuse (usually used in legal or formal contexts)
• 断絶する (danzetsu suru) - Cut, interrupt (usually in relation to relationships or connections)
• 拒絶する (kyozetsu suru) - Reject, repel (with a stronger connotation of refusal)

拒否

Romaji: kyohi
Kana: きょひ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: denial; veto; rejection; refusal

Meaning in English: denial;veto;rejection;refusal

Definition: Refuse. Do not accept this.

Example Sentences - (拒否) kyohi

See below some example sentences:

彼女は私と食べ物を分けることを拒否した。

Kanojo wa watashi to tabemono wo wakeru koto wo kyohi shita

She refused to share the food with me.

She refused to separate the food from me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• と (to) - particle indicating company
• 食べ物 (tabemono) - food
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 分ける (wakeru) - Divide
• こと (koto) - noun indicating action or event
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 拒否する (kyohosuru) - Refuse
• た (ta) - Past verbal suffix

彼女は私の誘いを拒否した。

Kanojo wa watashi no sasoi o kyohi shita

She declined my invitation.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 私の (watashi no) - "Meu" in Japanese
• 誘い (sasoi) - "invitation" in Japanese
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 拒否した (kyohi shita) - "refused" in Japanese