1.
don't be absurd; that's out of the question; not at all
An emphatic denial or humble refusal used when someone suggests something the speaker considers unthinkable, excessive, or undeserved. Often used to modestly deflect praise or decline an offer.
「お上手ですね。」「滅相もない。」
"You're very skilled." "Not at all!"
滅相もない、そんな大それたことはできません。
That's out of the question—I couldn't do something so presumptuous.
「社長の席に座ってもいいですか。」「滅相もない、おやめください。」
"May I sit in the president's chair?" "Absolutely not—please don't."
USAGE:
A strongly humble or emphatic expression used to deny or refuse something. Two main uses:
1. Humble deflection of praise or flattery (like "Oh no, not at all!")
2. Emphatic rejection of a suggestion as absurd or inappropriate
FORMALITY:
Somewhat formal and old-fashioned. More commonly heard from older speakers or in formal situations. Younger speakers tend to use とんでもない instead.
VARIATIONS:
- 滅相もございません: very polite form
- 滅相もないことを: "what an absurd thing to say"
SIMILAR WORDS:
- とんでもない: no way, not at all — modern equivalent, widely used
- 恐れ入ります: I'm much obliged — humble, used when receiving praise