거절하다 vs 거부하다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 거절하다
Listen to 거부하다
| 거절하다 | 거부하다 |
|---|---|
geo-JEOL-hada verb | geobu-hada verb |
| to refuse or decline something | to refuse, reject, or turn down something, often in a firm way |
How they differ
거부하다 is usually stronger and more formal than 거절하다. It often sounds like a firm rejection of an offer, request, or demand, and can feel more decisive or resistant.
When to use each
When to use 거절하다: Use 거절하다 when you simply want to say you declined an offer, request, or invitation in a neutral way.
When to use 거부하다: Use 거부하다 when you want to emphasize a stronger, more forceful refusal or rejection.
Side-by-side examples
- 그는 회의 참석 요청을 거절했다.
(He declined the request to attend the meeting.) - 그는 회의 참석 요청을 거부했다.
(He refused the request to attend the meeting.)
Register & nuance: 거부하다 is generally more formal and forceful than 거절하다, and it is often used in official or serious contexts.