断る
ことわる
kotowaru
JLPT N3verbVocabularyLevel 36 - JLPT N3

Quick answer

断る (ことわる (kotowaru)) means "to refuse". The reading is ことわる (kotowaru). Audio pronunciation and kanji breakdown are below.

Meaning

to refuse

Also : to reject · to dismiss · to decline · to turn down

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Example Sentences

仕事が多すぎたので新しい依頼を断りました。

しごとがおおすぎたのであたらしいいらいをことわりました。

I turned down the new request because I had too much work.

Kanji in this word

Grammar to study at this level

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

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