いや、ダメ

iya, dame
phraseIntermediate no, that's not okay
informal

A strong refusal or rejection of something, often with a sense of finality or disapproval. Used to firmly deny or oppose an idea, action, or suggestion.

「また遅刻するつもり?いや、ダメだ。

"Are you planning to be late again? No, that's not okay."

「そんなに甘いものを食べるのはいや、ダメだ。

"Eating so many sweets is no, that's not okay."

💡

This phrase is commonly used in casual conversation to express strong disagreement or disapproval. It can be used to refuse a request, reject an idea, or stop someone from doing something.

Related Phrases

ダメだphrase
no good, not okay
ダメだよphrase
no, that's not okay
ダメだねphrase
that's not okay
ダメだわphrase
that's not okay

💡Pro Tip

Tone and Context

The tone of "いや、ダメ" can vary from firm to gentle. In formal settings, it's better to use more polite expressions like "それはダメです" (That's not okay).

Gold Rule

Usage in Conversation

This phrase is very common in casual conversation and is used to express strong disagreement or refusal. It can be used to refuse a request, reject an idea, or stop someone from doing something.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines "いや" (no, not) and "ダメ" (no good, not okay), both of which are common negative expressions in Japanese. "ダメ" itself comes from the verb "出来る" (to be able to do), with the negative "ダメ" meaning "not able to do" or "not acceptable."

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is very common in everyday Japanese and is used to express strong disagreement or refusal. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from refusing a request to stopping someone from doing something. The tone can range from firm to gentle, depending on the context and the speaker's intent.

Word Breakdown

いや
no, not
root
+
ダメ
no good, not okay
root
和英辞典