Meaning
The kanji 拒 (キョ / こばむ) primarily means "refuse," "reject," "decline," or "rebuff." It describes actively turning something down, denying a request, or opposing an idea or action. You'll often encounter this kanji when a firm stance is taken against something—whether an offer, an invasion, a suggestion, or a personal request.
Etymologically, 拒 is a 形声文字 (keisei moji), or phono-semantic compound. It consists of two main parts: the radical 扌 (てへん, tehen), a variant of 手 (て, te) meaning "hand," and the component 巨 (キョ, kyo), meaning "huge" or "giant." The "hand" radical clearly suggests a human action, such as pushing, grasping, or in this context, pushing away. While the 巨 component contributes its sound (キョ), it also visually reinforces the idea of something significant or large, perhaps implying a strong or resolute rejection. Imagine a large hand forcefully pushing something away, symbolizing a strong refusal or resistance.
The combination of the "hand" radical on the left and the "giant" component on the right effectively symbolizes the core meaning. It depicts a hand taking a resolute, perhaps "giant," action of pushing something back or refusing to accept it. This image makes it easier to remember 拒 as an active, often strong, form of rejection.
This kanji has 8 strokes and is classified as a Jōyō kanji (常用漢字), meaning it's on the list of kanji designated for common use. While not assigned a specific elementary school grade level, it's considered an advanced kanji, typically encountered at the JLPT N1 level, reflecting its nuanced and often formal usage.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 拒 is キョ (Kyo). This reading is most commonly found in compound words, where it often conveys a formal or strong sense of refusal, rejection, or resistance.
キョ (Kyo): This reading is almost exclusively used in compound words, where it signifies turning down, denying, or resisting.
- 拒否 (kyohi) — refusal; rejection; veto
This common term refers to a general refusal or turning something down. It's often used in official or diplomatic contexts, or simply when declining an offer.
- 拒絶 (kyozetsu) — refusal; rejection; repudiation
Similar to 拒否, but 拒絶 often carries a stronger, more definite, and sometimes more emotional sense of rejection. It implies a complete and often irreversible denial.
- 拒否権 (kyohiken) — right of veto
This specifically refers to the power or right to unilaterally stop an official action or decision, such as a veto in international politics or corporate governance.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi (native Japanese reading) for 拒 is こばむ (kobamu). You'll use this reading when 拒 functions as a standalone verb or as part of a verb phrase, always with the okurigana む (mu) following the kanji.
こばむ (kobamu): As an intransitive verb, こばむ means "to refuse," "to reject," "to decline," or "to oppose." It directly conveys the act of saying no or resisting.
- 拒む (kobamu) — to refuse; to reject; to decline
Used independently as a verb, for example, to refuse an order or a request.
- 敵の侵入を拒む (teki no shinnyuu o kobamu) — to repel the enemy's invasion; to resist enemy entry
This illustrates resisting or preventing something undesirable, such as an intrusion.
- 変化を拒む (henka o kobamu) — to resist change; to be unwilling to change
This phrase describes someone or something reluctant to adapt or embrace new developments.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 拒 forms an integral part of many Japanese words, especially those related to refusal, rejection, and resistance. Understanding these compounds will deepen your grasp of its usage across various contexts, from daily interactions to scientific and political discourse.
General Refusal & Rejection
- 拒否 (kyohi) — refusal; rejection; veto
This is a widely used term for turning down an offer, proposal, or request.
- 拒絶 (kyozetsu) — refusal; rejection; repudiation
It carries a stronger sense of definitive rejection, often implying a complete and unyielding denial.
- 拒否権 (kyohiken) — right of veto
This specific term is used in political or organizational contexts for the power to reject a decision or law.
Actions of Resistance & Opposition
- 拒む (kobamu) — to refuse; to reject; to decline; to oppose (verb)
This is the foundational verb form, used when someone actively declines or resists something.
- 対話拒否 (taiwa kyohi) — refusal to engage in dialogue
This describes a situation where one party refuses to communicate or negotiate.
- 入室拒否 (nyūshitsukyohi) — refusal of entry
This means denial of permission to enter a room or building.
Medical & Social Contexts
- 拒絶反応 (kyozetsuhannō) — rejection reaction; allergic reaction
This term is commonly used in medical contexts (e.g., organ transplant rejection) but can also describe a strong negative emotional response.
- 拒食症 (kyoshokushō) — anorexia nervosa
This medical term refers to an eating disorder characterized by a refusal to eat.
- 臓器拒絶 (zōkikyozetsu) — organ rejection
This critical medical term refers to the body's immune system attacking a transplanted organ.
- 面会拒否 (menkaikyohi) — refusal to meet; denial of visiting rights
This phrase is often used in legal or social contexts where one party denies another the right to meet or visit.
Example Sentences
These example sentences demonstrate the practical usage of the kanji 拒 in various contexts, from simple refusals to more complex scenarios. Notice the different readings and how they are applied.
彼は私の提案を拒んだ。
Kare wa watashi no teian o kobanda.
He refused my proposal.
政府は要求を拒否した。
Seifu wa yōkyū o kyohi shita.
The government rejected the demand.
彼女はどんな誘いも頑なに拒んだ。
Kanojo wa donna sasoi mo katakuna ni kobanda.
She stubbornly refused any invitation.
委員会は予算案の採択を拒否した。
Iinkai wa yosan'an no saitaku o kyohi shita.
The committee rejected the adoption of the budget plan.
患者は手術を拒絶する権利がある。
Kanja wa shujutsu o kyozetsu suru kenri ga aru.
Patients have the right to refuse surgery.
彼は変化を拒み、古い習慣にこだわり続けた。
Kare wa henka o kobami, furui shūkan ni kodawari tsuzuketa.
He resisted change and continued to cling to old habits.
国際社会は武力行使を拒否するよう求めた。
Kokusai shakai wa buryoku kōshi o kyohi suru yō motometa.
The international community demanded the rejection of the use of force.
臓器移植において、拒絶反応を抑えることが重要だ。
Zōki ishoku ni oite, kyozetsuhannō o osaeru koto ga jūyō da.
In organ transplantation, suppressing rejection reactions is important.
子供が食を拒む場合は、専門医の診断を受けるべきだ。
Kodomo ga shoku o kobamu baai wa, senmon'i no shindan o ukeru beki da.
If a child refuses food, they should consult a specialist.
面会を拒否する権利は、個人のプライバシーを守るために重要だ。
Menkai o kyohi suru kenri wa, kojin no puraibashī o mamoru tame ni jūyō da.
The right to refuse a meeting is important for protecting individual privacy.
Memory Tip
To remember 拒 (refuse, reject), focus on its components: the left radical 扌 (tehen), a variant of 手 meaning "hand," and the right component 巨 (kyo), meaning "huge" or "giant." Picture a very strong, perhaps "giant," hand pushing something away decisively. Imagine a huge hand giving a firm "NO." Alternatively, create a small story: "I use my hand (扌) to refuse (拒) the giant (巨) monster from entering my house." The "hand" component indicates an action, and "giant" reinforces the strength or scale of the refusal. This visual and conceptual link makes remembering both the meaning and the shape of 拒 much easier.