JLPT N3 Intermediate
否々
「いやいや」
Humbly deflecting praise, or acting unwillingly
Readings
Other forms
いえいえ polite alternative for "not at all"
嫌々 kanji for "reluctantly"
1 Interjection
"Not at all" / "No, no"
A casual interjection used to humbly deflect compliments or emphasize a negative response.
Example
A 料理 、 とても おいしい です ！
B いやいや 、 そんな こと ない です よ 。
[A:] This food is delicious! [B:] Oh no, not at all.
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2 Adverb
"Reluctantly" / "Unwillingly"
An adverb indicating that an action is being performed grudgingly or against one’s will.
Usage notes & examples
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