Meaning
The kanji 否 (hi, ina, iya) means “no,” “deny,” or “refuse.” You'll encounter it when expressing negation or rejection in various situations, from simple replies to formal legal terms. A solid understanding of 否 is key to grasping nuanced expressions of disagreement and refusal in Japanese.
This character is an ideograph, representing an abstract concept. It combines two components: the upper part, which resembles 𠤎, is an ancient form of 不 (fù/bù), meaning "not." The lower part is 口 (kuchi), meaning "mouth." Together, these parts visually suggest "saying no with one's mouth" or "speaking against something." This direct visual link between its shape and its core meaning of denial and refusal makes it quite intuitive once you know its etymology.
The kanji 否 has 7 strokes. Although it's a commonly used character, it isn't assigned to a specific elementary school grade (it's part of the Joyo Kanji list, often learned around the N3 level). Its radical is 口 (kuchi), representing the mouth, which further emphasizes its connection to verbal expression.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi reading of 否 comes from ancient Chinese pronunciation and is mainly used in compound words. These compounds often have more formal or abstract meanings. For 否, the primary On'yomi is ヒ (hi).
In vocabulary, ヒ often signals negation, rejection, or simply "no." This reading appears in many everyday N3 and N2 level words.
否定 (hitei) — denial, negation. This is a very common word containing 否. It means to state that something isn't true or doesn't exist. For example, 彼は自分の過ちを否定した (He denied his mistake).
拒否 (kyohi) — refusal, rejection, veto. This compound highlights the act of refusing to accept something. For instance, 提案は拒否されました (The proposal was rejected).
可否 (kahi) — propriety, right or wrong, pros and cons. This compound combines 可 (ka - possibility, approval) and 否 (hi - denial, rejection). It's used when discussing whether something is acceptable, correct, or should be approved. For example, 計画の可否を検討する (To consider the pros and cons of the plan).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi readings of 否 are native Japanese pronunciations. The main Kun'yomi for 否 are いな (ina) and いや (iya). You'll often see these readings when the kanji is used alone or in less formal, more direct expressions.
いな (ina) is a more formal or slightly archaic way to say "no." It often appears in literary contexts or as a direct, emphatic negation. It can also be part of specific compound phrases.
否 (ina) — no, nay. Used as a standalone interjection. For example, 「行きますか？」 「否。」 ("Are you going?" "No.").
否や (inaya) — as soon as, whether or not. This is typically used in the pattern 〜する否や (suru inaya), meaning "as soon as one does..." or "the moment one does..." For example, 彼は部屋に入る否や、電気を消した (The moment he entered the room, he turned off the light).
いや (iya) is a common, direct way to say "no." It can also convey a nuance of unpleasantness or dislike. It's frequently used informally or to express a strong negative sentiment.
否 (iya) — no, nay, unpleasant. Can be used as a simple "no" or to express aversion. For example, 「食べますか？」「否、結構です。」 ("Will you eat?" "No, I'm fine.").
否応 (iyaō) — yes or no, willy-nilly. Often used in the phrase 否応なしに (iyaō nashi ni), meaning "without question" or "whether one wants to or not." For instance, 彼は否応なしに仕事をさせられた (He was made to work whether he wanted to or not).
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 否 is integral to expressing various forms of negation, refusal, and judgment. Here are some common words and compounds, grouped by their typical usage:
General Negation & Refusal:
否定 (hitei) — denial, negation. This term is used when someone claims something is not true or refuses to acknowledge it. For example, 事実を否定する (to deny the facts).
拒否 (kyohi) — refusal, rejection, veto. This specifically refers to turning down or not accepting something, such as a request or a proposal. Example: 要求を拒否する (to reject a demand).
否認 (hinin) — denial, repudiation. While similar to 否定, 否認 often suggests a more formal or legal context of disavowing responsibility or validity. Example: 容疑を否認する (to deny the charges).
否決 (hiketsu) — rejection (of a bill, proposal), voting down. This term frequently describes situations in parliamentary or committee settings where a vote leads to non-approval. Example: 法案が否決された (The bill was voted down).
Judgment & Evaluation:
可否 (kahi) — propriety, right or wrong, pros and cons. This compound helps weigh the merits and demerits or determine whether something is acceptable. Example: 参加の可否を問う (to ask about the propriety of participation).
当否 (tōhi) — right or wrong, appropriateness. Like 可否, this term focuses on the correctness or suitability of something. Example: そのコメントの当否を判断する (to judge the appropriateness of that comment).
Interjections & Adverbial Phrases:
否 (ina) — no, nay (formal/literary). A direct, emphatic refusal. Example: 「異論はありますか？」「否。」 ("Any objections?" "No.").
否 (iya) — no, nay; unpleasant. This can be a simple "no" or an expression of aversion. Example: 否、それは好きではありません (No, I don't like that).
否応 (iyaō) — yes or no, willy-nilly. Often used in the phrase 否応なしに (iyaō nashi ni), meaning "without question" or "against one's will." Example: 否応なしに承諾させられた (I was forced to consent).
否や (inaya) — as soon as, whether or not. This literary conjunction is often used in the form 〜する否や, signaling immediate action following another. Example: 彼が部屋に入る否や、電話が鳴った (As soon as he entered the room, the phone rang).
Example Sentences
彼は自分の過ちを否定しました。
Kare wa jibun no ayamachi o hitei shimashita.
He denied his mistake.
私たちの提案は委員会で否決されました。
Watashitachi no teian wa iinkai de hiketsu saremashita.
Our proposal was rejected by the committee.
その要求はきっぱりと拒否されました。
Sono yōkyū wa kippari to kyohi saremashita.
That demand was flatly refused.
質問に対し、彼は「否」とだけ答えた。
Shitsumon ni taishi, kare wa "ina" to dake kotaeta.
In response to the question, he only answered, "No."
この計画の可否について議論しましょう。
Kono keikaku no kahi ni tsuite giron shimashō.
Let's discuss the pros and cons of this plan.
彼は否応なしに参加させられました。
Kare wa iyaō nashi ni sanka saseraremashita.
He was forced to participate, whether he wanted to or not.
先生が部屋に入る否や、生徒たちは静かになった。
Sensei ga heya ni hairu inaya, seito-tachi wa shizuka ni natta.
As soon as the teacher entered the room, the students became quiet.
「手伝おうか？」「否、大丈夫だよ。」
"Tetsudaō ka?" "Iya, daijōbu da yo."
"Shall I help you?" "No, I'm fine."
証人は潔白を否認したが、証拠が示された。
Shōnin wa keppaku o hinin shita ga, shōko ga shimesareta.
The witness denied their innocence, but evidence was presented.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 否, break it down by its components. The top part looks like 不 (not), and the bottom part is 口 (mouth). Imagine someone pursing their lips and firmly saying, "No!" or "I will not!" This image of "Not from the Mouth" or "Saying No with the Mouth" strongly links the character's form to its core meaning of denial and refusal. When you see 否, picture a mouth emphatically refusing or denying something.