滅相(めっそう)もない

めっそうもない
expression
don't be absurd; that's out of the question
formalexpression
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(じょうず)ですね。」「滅相(めっそう)もない。」
"You're very skilled." "Not at all!"
滅相(めっそう)もない、そんな大(おお)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(しゃちょう)の席(せき)に座(すわ)ってもいいですか。」「滅相(めっそう)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

Register

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.

Forms

  • 滅相(めっそう)もございません: very polite form
  • 滅相(めっそう)もないことを: "what an absurd thing to say"

Similar words

Related Words

Synonym: とんでもない (no way (modern))
Compare: 恐(おそ)れ入(い)ります (I'm much obliged)
Compare: 恐(おそ)れ入(い)る (I'm much obliged)
general
Added 2026.3.15 11:14 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:31
16500/16931_messoumonai