ううん

uun

no / uh-uh

A: 「行きたい？」 B: 「ううん。」

A: 'Do you want to go?' B: 'No.'

informal

Informal way to say 'no' in response to a question, often used in casual conversation.

「これ、食べてもいい？」「ううん、まだ食べないで。」

'Can I eat this?' 'No, don’t eat it yet.'

「彼、来る？」「ううん、来ないと思う。」

'Is he coming?' 'I don’t think so.'

More common in speech than writing. Often used by women and children, but widely understood across genders and ages. Can sound abrupt if overused.

informal

Expression of hesitation or reluctance, similar to 'uh-uh' in English.

「今、忙しい？」「ううん... ちょっと...」

'Are you busy now?' 'Uh-uh... a little...'

May indicate uncertainty or a desire to avoid commitment.

Collocations

casual affirmative 'yeah' in some dialects (e.g., Kansai region)

Always use 'いいえ' in formal or polite situations (e.g., with strangers, elders, or superiors). 'ううん' is only for close friends, family, or peers.

Listen to tone and body language—'ううん' can sound softer or more abrupt depending on delivery.

Derived from the informal contraction of 'いいえ' (no) or 'ううむ' (a hesitation sound), reflecting natural speech patterns in Japanese.

Used in very casual settings. In formal contexts, 'いいえ' is preferred. Overusing 'ううん' can come across as childish or dismissive.

う

vowel sound expressing hesitation or negation

sound

うん

contraction of 'no' or 'not', informal

contraction

和英辞典