How to say "veto" in Japanese

• 拒否きょひJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe general word for refusing or rejecting something, and the usual choice for 'veto' — turning down a proposal, motion, or decision. It presents the veto as an outright act of refusal.
  私はその質問しつもんに答こたえることを拒否きょひする。↗

  I refuse to answer the question.
• 不裁可ふさいか
  nounVeto as the withholding of official sanction or approval, as when an authority declines to approve a bill. Less common than 拒否, it is seldom the word you want.
• 不承認ふしょうにん
  nounVeto framed as disapproval or non-approval — an authority declining to approve something rather than actively rejecting it. Less common; 拒否 is the general word for vetoing.
  首くびを横よこに振ふることで不承ふしょう認にんを与あたえる。↗

  They communicate disapproval by shaking their heads.

Use 拒否 for veto in the general sense of refusing or rejecting a proposal or decision; 不裁可 and 不承認 are less common terms that frame the veto as withheld official approval or sanction.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 拒否きょひrefusal
• 不裁可ふさいかveto
• 不承認ふしょうにんdisapproval