Quick answer
否 is the kanji for "Deny". Its reading is いな (ina). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Deny
Also : No · Refuse · Decline
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
7 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 否 represents 'NEGATE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of negate.
On-reading: ひ — remember this sound by associating it with negate. Kun-reading: いな.
Example Sentences
その申し出を否定するのではなく、理由を説明しました。
そのもうしでをひていするのではなく、りゆうをせつめいしました。
Rather than rejecting the offer outright, I explained my reasons.
その政策については賛否両論が出ている。
そのせいさくについてはさんぴりょうろんがでている。
There are divided opinions for and against that policy.
Vocabulary using 否
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
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