Quick answer
断 is the kanji for "Refuse". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is た.つ (tatsu). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Refuse
Also : Warn · Decline · Dismiss · Prohibit
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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
11 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 断 represents 'SEVERANCE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of severance.
On-reading: だん — remember this sound by associating it with severance. Kun-reading: た.つ.
Example Sentences
申し訳ありませんが断らなければなりません。
もうしわけありませんがことわらなければなりません。
I'm sorry but I have to decline.
古くなった木を切断するために、専門の業者に依頼しました。
ふるくなったきをせつだんするために、せんもんのぎょうしゃにいらいしました。
I asked a specialist contractor to cut down the old tree.
Vocabulary using 断
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 11, 2026
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