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B1 verb #2,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

拒む

kobamu Top 2,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 拒む en 30 secondes

Explication 拒む in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '拒む' (kobamu) yet. It is a bit too advanced for beginners. Instead, you should focus on simpler ways to say 'no' or 'I don't like it.' For example, you can say 'いいえ' (iie) for 'no,' or '～はちょっと...' (wa chotto...) when you want to politely decline something. If you want to say you don't want to do something, you can use the negative form of a verb, like '食べません' (tabemasen - I won't eat). '拒む' is a very strong word that means 'to refuse' in a serious way. Beginners usually use '断る' (kotowaru) for simple refusals, but even that is often seen in A2. Just remember that '拒む' exists and it means a strong 'NO' that acts like a wall.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more specific verbs. While you still mostly use '断る' (kotowaru) to say 'no' to invitations or offers, you might see '拒む' (kobamu) in simple stories or news clips. It means to refuse or reject something firmly. For example, if a character in a story refuses to open a door, the book might use '拒む.' It is a 'Godan' verb, so it conjugates like 'nomu' (to drink). For example: 'kobamanai' (don't refuse), 'kobamimasu' (refuse - polite), 'kobanda' (refused). At this level, just try to recognize it when you see it. It usually implies that someone is being a bit stubborn or that the situation is serious.

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At the B1 level, you should begin to understand the nuance of '拒む' (kobamu) compared to other verbs of refusal. You are now at the level where you can use this word to describe situations where someone is resisting something. For example, 'He refused to pay' (支払いを拒んだ) or 'She refused to talk about it' (話すのを拒んだ). You will notice that '拒む' is often used with the particle 'を' and a noun or a nominalized verb (verb + no/koto). It is also common in news reports about people refusing to cooperate with the police or companies refusing to change their policies. Using '拒む' correctly shows that you understand that some refusals are more intense than others.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '拒む' (kobamu) in both written and spoken contexts where a strong refusal is appropriate. You should also understand its use with abstract subjects. For example, 'The environment refused to allow the plants to grow' (環境が植物の成長を拒んだ). At this level, you should also be familiar with the passive form '拒まれる' (kobamareru), which is used to describe the feeling of being rejected by a group or society. You should be able to distinguish '拒む' from more formal terms like '拒絶する' (kyozetsu suru) and more humble terms like '辞退する' (jitai suru). Your ability to use these words accurately reflects your understanding of Japanese social dynamics and tone.

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At the C1 level, you can appreciate the literary and metaphorical uses of '拒む' (kobamu). You might encounter it in sophisticated literature where it describes the 'refusal' of nature, time, or fate. For instance, 'A cliff that refuses all climbers' (人を寄せ付けない、人を拒む崖). You should also be able to use it in complex sentence structures, combining it with various adverbs to specify the manner of refusal (e.g., '頑なに拒む' - stubbornly refuse, '断固として拒む' - resolutely refuse). At this stage, you should also understand the historical development of the kanji and how its physical meaning of 'pushing away with the hand' informs its modern abstract usages in legal and philosophical texts.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of '拒む' (kobamu) should be near-native. You can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning in high-level debates, academic writing, or creative literature. You understand how the choice of '拒む' over '拒絶する' or '排斥する' (haiseki suru - to exclude/boycott) changes the emotional resonance of a sentence. You can use it in the context of biological rejection, psychological resistance, and geopolitical standoffs with perfect precision. You are also aware of how the word has been used historically in Japanese classical literature to describe a character's internal resolve or their rejection of social norms. Your usage is characterized by a deep understanding of the word's weight and its ability to define boundaries between the self and the world.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

拒む en 30 secondes

A strong verb meaning 'to refuse' or 'to reject' with a sense of active resistance.
Commonly used for refusing entry, refusing to talk, or biological organ rejection.
More formal and confrontational than the common social refusal verb '断る' (kotowaru).
Essential for describing serious conflicts, legal refusals, or dramatic literary moments.

The Japanese verb 拒む (こばむ - kobamu) is a powerful and versatile term that goes far beyond a simple 'no.' While it is often translated as 'to refuse,' 'to reject,' or 'to decline,' its semantic range encompasses everything from a polite refusal of an invitation to a physical resistance against an invading force. At its core, kobamu signifies the act of creating a barrier—whether psychological, physical, or social—between oneself and an external pressure or request. It is a word that carries weight, often implying a firm stance or an uncompromising decision. Unlike its more common counterpart 断る (kotowaru), which is frequently used for social refusals like declining a dinner invitation, 拒む suggests a deeper level of opposition or a more visceral rejection of something being pushed upon the subject.

The Nuance of Resistance: The word is frequently used when someone resists an action or a change. For instance, if a child refuses to hold their parent's hand, or if a political leader refuses to sign a treaty, 拒む captures that sense of active pushback. It is not just about saying 'no,' but about the act of holding one's ground against an incoming force.
Formal and Literary Contexts: In literature and formal journalism, 拒む is used to describe abstract concepts. Time might be described as 'refusing to wait' (時が拒む), or a mountain might 'refuse entry' to climbers (人を拒む山). This personification of inanimate objects or concepts adds a layer of gravity and drama to the narrative, suggesting that the refusal is an inherent quality of the subject.
Social and Professional Boundaries: In a professional setting, 拒む might be used to describe a company refusing a buyout or a witness refusing to testify. It implies a legal or structural rejection that has consequences. Using this word instead of 断る signals that the refusal is serious and perhaps non-negotiable.

彼はその申し出をきっぱりと拒んだ。
(He flatly refused the offer.)

その城門は敵の侵入を拒んでいる。
(The castle gate is barring the enemy's entry.)

Furthermore, the kanji 拒 consists of the 'hand' radical (扌) and the character for 'huge' or 'great' (巨). This visual composition suggests a large hand physically pushing something away, which perfectly encapsulates the verb's meaning. When you use kobamu, you are metaphorically extending your hand to stop something from coming closer. This is why it is used for 'refusing entry' (立ち入りを拒む) or 'refusing to talk' (口を割るのを拒む). It is an active, decisive movement of the will.

Grammatically, 拒む is a transitive Godan verb. This means it takes a direct object, usually marked by the particle を (wo). The basic structure is [Subject] ga [Object] wo kobamu. However, the complexity of its usage lies in the nature of the object and the context of the refusal. It is essential to understand that while kobamu is a verb of action, the 'action' is often the cessation of another action or the prevention of an event.

Physical Resistance: When used with physical objects or people, it describes the act of blocking or resisting. For example, 'The body rejected the transplanted organ' (体が移植臓器を拒んだ). Here, the rejection is biological and involuntary, yet kobamu is the perfect fit because it describes a system refusing to integrate something external.
Psychological and Verbal Refusal: When applied to requests or communication, it indicates a firm 'no.' 'She refused to answer the question' (彼女は質問に答えるのを拒んだ). Note that when refusing a specific action (like answering), you use the nominalizer の (no) or こと (koto) to turn the verb into a noun phrase.
Passive Voice Usage: The passive form 拒まれる (kobamareru) is common when describing the feeling of being rejected by society or a group. 'I felt rejected by the world' (世界に拒まれているように感じた). This usage highlights the emotional impact on the person being refused.

彼は自分の過去について話すのを頑なに拒んでいる。
(He stubbornly refuses to talk about his past.)

In terms of formality, kobamu sits comfortably in the middle-to-high range. You will see it in news reports, such as 'The suspect refused to provide a DNA sample' (容疑者はDNAサンプルの提供を拒んだ). It is also used in legal contexts, such as 'refusing to pay child support' (養育費の支払いを拒む). In these cases, the word emphasizes the legal or moral obligation that is being ignored. It implies that there is a standard or a request that should be met, but the subject is making a conscious choice to block it.

Understanding where 拒む appears in daily life helps in grasping its emotional and social weight. While you might not hear it used over coffee between friends, you will encounter it frequently in media, literature, and formal announcements. It is a word of consequence, used when the act of saying 'no' is significant enough to be recorded or described in detail.

News and Media Reports: Journalists use kobamu to describe high-stakes refusals. Whether it's a politician refusing to comment on a scandal or a country refusing to accept refugees, the word conveys a sense of officiality and firmness. It suggests that the refusal is a matter of policy or a deliberate strategy.
Drama and Literature: In novels and TV dramas, kobamu is used to heighten tension. A character might refuse a lover's kiss or a dying man might refuse medical treatment. In these contexts, the word emphasizes the character's internal struggle and their exercise of agency against the odds. It is a word that builds character through conflict.
Scientific and Medical Contexts: In biology, 'rejection' is a key concept. When discussing organ transplants or the immune system's response to a virus, kobamu is used to describe the body's natural defense mechanisms. It frames the biological process as an active refusal to accept a foreign presence.

政府は他国からの干渉を拒んでいる。
(The government is refusing interference from other countries.)

In anime and manga, you might hear a character shout '拒む!' (I refuse!) during a climactic battle or a moment of moral choice. Here, it sounds much more dramatic than '断る!' (I decline!). It signals that the character is not just saying no, but is actively resisting a fate or a power that is trying to overwhelm them. It is the 'no' of a hero who will not be moved.

For English speakers, the primary challenge with 拒む is distinguishing it from several other Japanese verbs that all translate to 'refuse' or 'reject' in English. Using the wrong one can lead to misunderstandings regarding the tone and the nature of the refusal. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Confusing it with 断る (Kotowaru): This is the most frequent error. Kotowaru is used for everyday refusals: declining an invitation, saying no to a salesperson, or turning down a job offer. It is social and often polite. Kobamu, however, is much stronger and more confrontational. You wouldn't say 'I refused the party invitation' using kobamu unless the invitation was somehow offensive or forced upon you.
Overusing it in Casual Speech: Because kobamu is a B1/B2 level word, learners sometimes get excited to use it and apply it to trivial things. Saying 'I refuse to eat carrots' using kobamu sounds like you are declaring a holy war against vegetables. Use iyagaru (to dislike) or tabenai (won't eat) instead for casual preferences.
Mistaking it for 辞退する (Jitai suru): Jitai suru is used for declining an honor, a prize, or a candidacy. It is very formal and humble. If you are offered an award and you 'refuse' it, you should use jitai suru. Using kobamu would imply you are rejecting the award out of spite or because you find it insulting.

❌ 飲み会に誘われたが、拒んだ。
✅ 飲み会に誘われたが、断った。
(Correct: I was invited to a drinking party but I declined.)

To master 拒む, you must see how it fits into the broader ecosystem of Japanese verbs related to rejection and refusal. Each word has a specific flavor and register that dictates its use.

拒絶する (Kyozetsu suru) - The Formal Rejection: Kyozetsu suru is the noun-verb (suru-verb) form of the same kanji root. It is even more formal and absolute than kobamu. It is often used in legal, diplomatic, or medical contexts (e.g., kyozetsu hannou - rejection reaction). While kobamu can describe a personal feeling of resistance, kyozetsu suru is a cold, hard fact of rejection.
撥ね付ける (Hanetsukeru) - To Brush Off: This word literally means to 'spring back' or 'flick away.' It is used when someone rejects a request or a plea with a sense of coldness or harshness. It implies that the person didn't even consider the request before saying no. It is more descriptive of the manner of refusal than kobamu.
退ける (Sokeru / Shirokeru) - To Repel or Reject: Often used in historical or military contexts, this means to repel an enemy or to cast aside an idea. It has a nuance of physically or strategically pushing something away to keep it at a distance.

Word Nuance Typical Object
断る Social, polite Invitation, Offer
拒む Strong, resistant Entry, Truth, Change
拒絶する Absolute, official Request, Organ
辞退する Humble, formal Prize, Candidacy

Word	Nuance	Typical Object
断る	Social, polite	Invitation, Offer
拒む	Strong, resistant	Entry, Truth, Change
拒絶する	Absolute, official	Request, Organ
辞退する	Humble, formal	Prize, Candidacy

Choosing the right word depends on the 'distance' you want to create. Kotowaru keeps things civil. Kobamu creates a wall. Kyozetsu suru slams a door. Understanding these levels of intensity will make your Japanese sound much more natural and nuanced.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The right side of the kanji '巨' originally depicted a large ruler or tool, suggesting something big and sturdy used as a barrier.

Guide de prononciation

UK /koʊˈbɑː.muː/

US /koʊˈbɑː.muː/

The pitch accent is 'Heiban' (flat), meaning the pitch starts low on 'ko' and rises on 'ba' and 'mu'. [ko-BA-MU]

Rime avec

Isamu (to be emboldened) Susumu (to advance) Tsutsumu (to wrap) Ayumu (to walk) Tanomu (to request) Yasumu (to rest) Yamu (to stop) Kamu (to bite)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'mu' too long like 'moooo'.
Confusing the pitch with 'kobushi' (fist).
Using an English 'r' sound for the 'b' (not common, but possible for beginners).
Failing to double the 'n' in the past tense 'kobanda'.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the second/third.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The kanji is common in news but requires knowing the 'kyo' reading.

Écriture 4/5

The kanji '拒' has a few strokes and is easily confused with '距' (distance).

Expression orale 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but hard to use with the correct social nuance.

Écoute 2/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

断る (kotowaru) 嫌だ (iyada) 受ける (ukeru) 止める (yameru) 反対 (hantai)

Apprends ensuite

拒絶 (kyozetsu) 拒否 (kyohi) 排斥 (haiseki) 抵抗 (teikou) 辞退 (jitai)

Avancé

峻別 (shunbetsu) 排他 (haita) 忌避 (kihi) 駁斥 (bakuseki) 固辞 (koji)

Grammaire à connaître

Transitive Verb with を

申し出を拒む。

Nominalization with の/こと

話すのを拒む。

Passive for social rejection

世界に拒まれる。

Volitional + とする (Attempt to refuse)

運命を拒もうとする。

Potential negative (Cannot refuse)

拒めない。

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Exemples par niveau

彼は「いいえ」と言って、食べるのを拒みました。

He said 'no' and refused to eat.

A1 learners would usually just say 'tabemasen,' but here 'kobamimashita' shows a strong 'no'.

猫が外に行くのを拒んでいます。

The cat is refusing to go outside.

Using 'kobamu' for a cat shows it is physically resisting.

彼は私の助けを拒みました。

He refused my help.

Simple transitive use: [Object] wo kobamu.

彼女はドアを開けるのを拒んだ。

She refused to open the door.

Nominalizing the action: [Verb + no] wo kobanda.

その子は薬を飲むのを拒んだ。

The child refused to take the medicine.

Shows physical resistance to an action.

彼はそのプレゼントを拒みました。

He refused that present.

Implies a stronger rejection than just 'iranai' (I don't need it).

犬がお風呂を拒んでいる。

The dog is refusing the bath.

Continuous form 'kobande iru' shows ongoing resistance.

彼は握手を拒んだ。

He refused to shake hands.

A classic social example of 'kobamu'.

彼は理由を言うのを拒んでいます。

He is refusing to say the reason.

Refusing to provide information.

その高い壁は、私たちの侵入を拒んでいる。

That high wall is refusing our entry.

Personification of an object (the wall).

彼は新しい仕事のチャンスを拒んだ。

He refused the new job opportunity.

Stronger than 'kotowaru'; implies a fundamental rejection.

彼女は彼と一緒に写真を撮るのを拒んだ。

She refused to take a photo with him.

Social rejection with emotional weight.

病気で、体が食べ物を受け付けるのを拒んでいる。

Due to illness, the body is refusing to accept food.

Biological/involuntary refusal.

彼は警察の質問を拒んだ。

He refused the police's questions.

Formal/Legal context.

冬の寒さが、人々が外に出るのを拒んでいる。

The winter cold is refusing people to go outside.

Metaphorical use of 'kobamu'.

彼はそのグループに入るのを拒んだ。

He refused to join that group.

Refusal of membership or association.

彼は最後まで自分の非を認めることを拒んだ。

He refused to admit his fault until the very end.

Refusing an abstract concept (admitting fault).

臓器移植後、体が新しい心臓を拒んでしまった。

After the organ transplant, the body rejected the new heart.

Specific medical term for 'rejection'.

彼女は頑なにその申し出を拒み続けている。

She continues to stubbornly refuse that offer.

Using the adverb 'kannani' (stubbornly).

その国は、外国の軍隊の立ち入りを拒んだ。

The country refused the entry of foreign troops.

Geopolitical usage.

彼は変化を拒み、古いやり方に固執した。

He refused change and stuck to the old ways.

Refusing an abstract process (change).

被告は証言することを拒む権利がある。

The defendant has the right to refuse to testify.

Legal right: 'kobamu kenri'.

彼女は彼からの謝罪を受け入れるのを拒んだ。

She refused to accept his apology.

Emotional refusal.

深い霧が、私たちの視界を拒んでいる。

The thick fog is refusing (blocking) our vision.

Poetic/Literary personification.

時代の波を拒むことは誰にもできない。

No one can refuse (resist) the waves of time.

Abstract philosophical usage.

彼は妥協することを断固として拒んだ。

He resolutely refused to compromise.

Using 'danko toshite' (resolutely).

そのシステムは、未登録のユーザーのアクセスを拒むように設計されている。

The system is designed to refuse access to unregistered users.

Technical/System design context.

彼女は世間に拒まれているという孤独感に苛まれていた。

She was tormented by a sense of loneliness, feeling rejected by the world.

Passive form 'kobamarete iru' (being rejected).

彼は自分のプライバシーが暴かれるのを激しく拒んだ。

He fiercely refused to have his privacy exposed.

Using 'hageshiku' (fiercely) to show intensity.

この土地は、よそ者が足を踏み入れるのを拒んでいるかのようだ。

It's as if this land is refusing outsiders from stepping foot on it.

Using 'ka no you da' (as if...).

彼は会社の方針に従うことを拒み、辞職した。

He refused to follow company policy and resigned.

Professional conflict.

真実を拒むことは、自己の成長を止めることと同じだ。

Refusing the truth is the same as stopping one's own growth.

Refusing an abstract truth.

その古城は、幾世紀もの間、時の流れを拒み続けてきた。

That old castle has continued to refuse (defy) the passage of time for centuries.

High literary style.

彼は権力に屈することを潔しとせず、最期まで協力を拒んだ。

He did not consider it honorable to yield to power and refused to cooperate until the end.

Formal, slightly archaic phrasing ('kiyoshi to sezu').

免疫系が自己と非自己を峻別し、異物を拒むメカニズムは驚異的だ。

The mechanism by which the immune system distinguishes between self and non-self and rejects foreign substances is marvelous.

Scientific/Academic register.

彼女の沈黙は、他者の介入を一切拒むかのような冷徹さを湛えていた。

Her silence possessed a coldness as if to refuse any intervention from others.

Descriptive literary prose.

論理的な説明を拒む怪奇現象が、この村では頻発している。

Mysterious phenomena that refuse logical explanation occur frequently in this village.

Describing something that defies logic.

彼は運命に抗い、定められた結末を拒もうとした。

He resisted fate and tried to refuse (reject) the destined conclusion.

Volitional form 'kobamou to shita' (tried to refuse).

その詩は、安易な解釈を拒む深遠なメタファーに満ちている。

The poem is full of profound metaphors that refuse easy interpretation.

Critique of art/literature.

司法当局は、情報の開示を国家機密として拒んだ。

The judicial authorities refused to disclose information, citing it as a state secret.

Formal administrative/legal usage.

存在そのものが他者を拒むような、圧倒的な孤独がそこにはあった。

There was an overwhelming loneliness there, as if existence itself was refusing others.

Existential/Philosophical nuance.

その彫刻は、見る者の視線を拒むかのような鋭い造形をしていた。

The sculpture had a sharp form as if to repel (refuse) the viewer's gaze.

Artistic description of form and impact.

言語化を拒む峻烈な体験が、彼の魂を深く傷つけた。

A severe experience that refused verbalization deeply scarred his soul.

Refusing the process of being put into words.

市場の原理は、人道的な配慮を拒む冷酷な側面を持ち合わせている。

Market principles have a ruthless side that refuses humanitarian considerations.

Sociopolitical/Economic analysis.

彼は自己のアイデンティティが定義されることを、本能的に拒んでいる。

He instinctively refuses to have his identity defined.

Psychological depth.

自然界の摂理は、時として人間の理解を拒む不条理を突きつける。

The providence of the natural world sometimes presents absurdities that refuse human understanding.

Academic/Philosophical register.

独裁政権は、国民の知る権利を徹底的に拒み続けている。

The dictatorial regime continues to thoroughly refuse the people's right to know.

Political critique.

その数式は、既存の物理法則による記述を拒んでいる。

That mathematical formula refuses description by existing laws of physics.

Scientific frontier context.

Collocations courantes

立ち入りを拒む

支払いを拒む

申し出を拒む

変化を拒む

真実を拒む

協力を拒む

受け入れを拒む

回答を拒む

介入を拒む

老化を拒む

Phrases Courantes

人を拒む

— To reject people or make them feel unwelcome. Often used for places.

人を拒むような険しい山道。

頑なに拒む

— To stubbornly refuse. Used when someone is very inflexible.

彼は頑なに口を割るのを拒んだ。

一切を拒む

— To refuse everything/all contact. A total rejection.

彼は外部との接触を一切拒んでいる。

拒む理由はない

— There is no reason to refuse. Used when accepting something.

その条件なら、拒む理由はない。

進化を拒む

— To refuse to evolve or change. Used for systems or organisms.

進化を拒む種は絶滅する。

愛を拒む

— To reject love or affection.

彼女は傷つくのを恐れて愛を拒んだ。

事実を拒む

— To refuse to accept the facts or reality.

彼は目の前の事実を拒もうとした。

妥協を拒む

— To refuse to compromise.

彼はプロとして、一切の妥協を拒んだ。

命令を拒む

— To refuse an order.

兵士は不当な命令を拒んだ。

治療を拒む

— To refuse medical treatment.

患者は延命治療を拒んだ。

Souvent confondu avec

拒む vs 断る (Kotowaru)

Kotowaru is social and polite; Kobamu is strong and resistant.

拒む vs 辞退する (Jitai suru)

Jitai is used for declining honors or prizes; Kobamu is for rejecting requests or entry.

拒む vs 避ける (Sakeru)

Sakeru means to avoid; Kobamu means to actively refuse or block.

Expressions idiomatiques

"来る者は拒まず"

— Accepting anyone who comes. It means being open and welcoming to all.

私の教室は来る者は拒まずの精神です。

Idiomatic/Proverbial

"寄せ付けない"

— To not let anyone near. While not using 'kobamu' directly, it's often synonymous in context.

人を寄せ付けない雰囲気がある。

Common

"門前払い"

— Turning someone away at the gate. A specific type of physical refusal.

彼は会いに行ったが、門前払いされた。

Common

"鼻も引っかけない"

— To take no notice of; to treat with contempt/reject utterly.

私の提案に彼は鼻も引っかけなかった。

Informal

"けんもほろろ"

— Curtly; flatly (refusing). Used to describe a cold refusal.

お願いしたが、けんもほろろに断られた。

Idiomatic

"突っぱねる"

— To reject flatly or push away.

要求を突っぱねる。

Common

"袖にする"

— To give someone the cold shoulder; to jilt or reject a lover.

彼女は彼を袖にした。

Idiomatic

"肘を鉄砲にする"

— To reject or rebuff someone (archaic/literary).

彼は肘を鉄砲にして彼女を拒んだ。

Literary

"取り付く島もない"

— To be left high and dry; to be given a cold/curt refusal that leaves no room for talk.

彼は怒っていて、取り付く島もない。

Idiomatic

"三下り半を突きつける"

— To hand someone a divorce paper; to reject/dismiss someone completely.

会社に三下り半を突きつけて辞めた。

Idiomatic

Facile à confondre

拒む vs 拒否 (Kyohi)

Same kanji, similar meaning.

Kyohi is a noun/suru-verb often used for formal 'vetos' or 'denials.' Kobamu is the native verb form with more emotional/physical nuance.

要求を拒否する vs 要求を拒む

拒む vs 排斥 (Haiseki)

Both involve rejection.

Haiseki means to boycott or push out of a group. Kobamu is the act of the subject refusing to let something in.

外国人を排斥する vs 外国人の入国を拒む

拒む vs 嫌がる (Iyagaru)

Both show a negative reaction.

Iyagaru is to show dislike or reluctance. Kobamu is the actual act of refusal.

子供が薬を嫌がる vs 子供が薬を拒む

拒む vs 退ける (Sokeru)

Both mean to reject.

Sokeru has a nuance of 'casting aside' or 'repelling' an enemy. Kobamu is more about the 'no' itself.

敵を退ける vs 敵の侵入を拒む

拒む vs 抗う (Aragau)

Both involve resistance.

Aragau is to struggle against something. Kobamu is the specific point of refusal.

運命に抗う vs 運命を拒む

Structures de phrases

[Noun] を拒む

握手を拒む。

[Verb-Dictionary] のを拒む

答えるのを拒む。

頑なに [Noun] を拒む

頑なに支払いを拒む。

[Subject] に拒まれる

社会に拒まれる。

一切の [Noun] を拒む

一切の妥協を拒む。

[Noun] を拒むかのような [Noun]

人を拒むかのような険しい山。

言語化を拒む [Noun]

言語化を拒むほどの恐怖。

[Abstract Subject] が [Action] を拒む

論理がその説明を拒む。

Famille de mots

Noms

拒絶 (kyozetsu) - Rejection

拒否 (kyohi) - Denial/Veto

拒絶反応 (kyozetsu hannou) - Rejection reaction (medical)

Verbes

拒絶する (kyozetsu suru) - To reject formally

拒否する (kyohi suru) - To veto or refuse

Adjectifs

拒絶的な (kyozetsuteki na) - Rejective/Unwelcoming

Apparenté

断る (kotowaru)

退ける (shirizokeru)

防ぐ (fusegu)

抗う (aragau)

避ける (sakeru)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in written Japanese, news, and literature; rare in casual spoken conversation.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'kobamu' to decline a drink. → No, say 'iie, kekkou desu' or 'kotowarimasu'.
'Kobamu' is too heavy and aggressive for a simple drink offer.
Saying 'kobamu' without an object particle. → 申し出を拒む (Moushide wo kobamu).
It is a transitive verb and requires 'wo' to identify what is being refused.
Confusing 'kobamu' with 'kobushi' (fist). → Kobamu (verb) vs Kobushi (noun).
They sound similar but are completely different parts of speech.
Using 'kobamu' for declining a prize. → 辞退する (Jitai suru).
'Jitai' is the humble way to decline an honor. 'Kobamu' sounds like you hate the prize.
Pronouncing it as 'kowamu'. → Kobamu (with a 'b').
The 'b' sound is essential. 'Kowamu' is not a word.

Astuces

When to Use

Use 'kobamu' for physical barriers, legal refusals, or deep psychological resistance. Avoid it for polite social situations.

Particle Check

Always use the 'wo' particle for the object being refused. 'Shinnyuu wo kobamu' (Refuse entry).

Stronger than Kotowaru

Remember that 'kobamu' is a 'hard' refusal. It's like building a wall, whereas 'kotowaru' is just saying 'no thank you'.

Pair with Adverbs

To sound more like a native, use 'kippari' (flatly) or 'kannani' (stubbornly) with 'kobamu'.

Literary Effect

In writing, personify nature or time using 'kobamu' to create a sense of drama or inevitability.

Social Caution

Be careful using this word with Japanese people you don't know well; it can sound very blunt or angry.

Medical Usage

If you are talking about organ transplants, 'kobamu' or 'kyozetsu' are the standard terms for rejection.

Proverb

Memorize 'Kuru mono wa kobamazu' (Don't refuse those who come) as a useful cultural phrase.

Kanji Recognition

Look for the 'hand' radical. It tells you that 'kobamu' is an active, 'hand-related' action of pushing away.

News Keywords

In news about crime, listen for 'kyoukyuu wo kobanda' (refused to provide/cooperate).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Giant' (巨) putting his 'Hand' (扌) up to say 'NO!'. Kobamu is that giant hand blocking your way.

Association visuelle

Imagine a massive castle gate slamming shut right as you try to enter. That gate is 'kobamu-ing' you.

Word Web

Resistance Barrier No entry Stubborn Reject Transplant Firm Wall

Défi

Try to use 'kobamu' in a sentence about a cat refusing to do something today.

Origine du mot

The word comes from Old Japanese. The kanji '拒' (Kyo) combines the hand radical (扌) with '巨' (huge/great).

Sens originel : The original meaning was to physically ward off or block something with a large, strong hand movement.

Japonic / Sino-Japanese (Kanji root).

Contexte culturel

Be careful using this word with superiors; it can sound extremely rude or defiant. Use 'enryo sasete itadakimasu' instead.

In English, we use 'refuse' for everything from invitations to legal orders. In Japanese, you must be more careful to use 'kobamu' only for the serious/strong ones.

The phrase 'Kuru mono wa kobamazu' (Those who come are not refused) is a common business or dojo motto. In the anime 'Neon Genesis Evangelion', the 'A.T. Field' is described as a barrier that 'kobamu' (rejects) others. Legal documents regarding 'Kyohi-ken' (the right to refuse/veto) often use this root.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Medical

拒絶反応が出る
治療を拒む
入院を拒む
投薬を拒む

Legal/Police

証言を拒む
署名を拒む
同行を拒む
捜査を拒む

Interpersonal Conflict

話し合いを拒む
謝罪を拒む
接触を拒む
握手を拒む

Nature/Literature

人を拒む山
時の流れを拒む
理解を拒む
光を拒む

Technology

アクセスを拒む
接続を拒む
更新を拒む
受信を拒む

Amorces de conversation

"もし誰かに助けを拒まれたら、どうしますか？ (If someone refused your help, what would you do?)"

"あなたがどうしても拒みたいことは何ですか？ (What is something you absolutely want to refuse?)"

"「来る者は拒まず」という考え方に賛成ですか？ (Do you agree with the 'Kuru mono wa kobamazu' philosophy?)"

"最近、何かを拒んだ経験はありますか？ (Do you have any recent experience of refusing something?)"

"歴史上の人物で、権力を拒んだ人は誰だと思いますか？ (Who do you think is a historical figure who refused power?)"

Sujets d'écriture

自分が拒んでいる「変化」について書いてみてください。 (Write about a 'change' that you are refusing.)

もし体が新しい習慣を拒んだら、どうやって説得しますか？ (If your body refused a new habit, how would you persuade it?)

「拒む」と「断る」の違いについて、自分の言葉で説明してください。 (Explain the difference between 'kobamu' and 'kotowaru' in your own words.)

人を拒むような場所に行ったことがありますか？その時の気持ちは？ (Have you ever been to a place that seemed to reject people? How did you feel?)

社会のルールを拒むことの是非について考えてください。 (Think about the pros and cons of refusing social rules.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, that would sound very strange and aggressive. Use 'kotowaru' or 'sumimasen, chotto...' instead. 'Kobamu' is for serious refusals, like refusing to testify in court.

They are very similar, but 'kyozetsu suru' is a formal Sino-Japanese word (kango) used in official contexts. 'Kobamu' is a native Japanese word (wago) that can carry more personal or physical nuance. In most formal writing, 'kyozetsu suru' is preferred.

Usually, yes, but it can be positive in a literary sense, like 'a person who refuses to give up' (諦めることを拒む人). However, the act of refusal itself is inherently a 'negation' of something else.

You can say 'hanasu no wo kobamu' (話すのを拒む) or 'kuchi wo waru no wo kobamu' (口を割るのを拒む - refusing to break silence/confess).

Yes! If a dog refuses to walk or a cat refuses to eat, you can use 'kobamu' to emphasize their physical resistance.

It is common in books, news, and movies (B1/B2 level). It is not common in everyday casual conversation with friends.

The passive form is 'kobamareru' (拒まれる). It means 'to be refused' or 'to be rejected'.

Actually, for phones, the term 'chakushin kyohi' (着信拒否 - call rejection) is used. The verb 'kobamu' isn't usually used for the action of clicking the button.

Often, yes. It suggests a firm stance that is hard to change, especially when paired with 'kannani' (stubbornly).

The kanji is '拒'. It's composed of 'hand' (扌) and 'giant' (巨).

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