This may actually be more difficult than it seems. Japanese tends to take the long way around when it comes to turning down somebody.
This might not be a case of ambiguity, but rather, just a choice of words.
お客様いかがですか？
O kiyaku sama ikaga desuka?
So what do you think? (A store clerk to a customer)
そうですね、ちょっと。。。
so desu ne, chotto...
Well, I'm not sure = no thanks
あのさ、今日一緒に映画見に行かない？
ano sa, kiyo wa isho ni eiga mini ikanai?
Hey, you wanna catch a flick today?
ごめん、今日はちょっと。。。
gomen, kiyo wa chotto...
Sorry, today is a little... = no thanks.
Chotto literally means “well...” And almost always refers to the negative meaning. It is very useful and can get you out of many engagements with friends if necessary.
If you want to flat out turn down somebody, there is a way.NHK salesman.
すみません、今月のNHK代金お願いします。
sumimamen, kon getsu no NHK daikin onegaishimasu.
Excuuse me, please pay your NHK fee for this month.
NHKはみてないよ。代金を払いません。
NHK wa mittenaiyo. Daikin wo haraimasen
I don't watch NHK. I will not pay the fee.
OR
結構です。
kekko desu.
No thanks
Kekko desu, is also a very versatile way of saying no. For instance, it can be used if the staff McDonalds asks if you want additional ketchup and you say no thanks. You can also turn down a date using kekko desu.
要りません
irimasen
Not needed IE.
弊社の保険に入りますか？
hei sha no ho ken ni hairimasuka?
Would you like to join our insurance company?
要りません。
irimasen.
Not needed.
文化Bonus
bunka Bonus
Cultural Bonus
ちょっと考えます。
chotto kangaemasu.
I'm going to think about it. (in response to a clerk asking you how you liked it)
★In Tokyo, ちょっと考えます really means “Please let me think about this.”
★But in Osaka, it actually takes a negative meaning (it is a polite way to say “get out of my face”).
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