Rechazar vs. negarse vs. denegar vs. negar vs. rehusar vs. rehusarse
Spanish has a variety of words that can translate to 'to refuse' or 'to decline' in English - 'rechazar', 'negarse', 'denegar', 'negar', 'rehusar', 'rehusarse'. However, each one has a subtly different meaning and usage context.
Rechazar
This means to refuse or reject, often used for rejecting something concrete such as an offer, proposal, or item.
El director rechazó la propuesta.
(The director rejected the proposal.)
Negarse
This refers more to personal refusal or denying oneself from doing something. Majority of times it is followed by the preposition 'a'.
Se negó a participar en el concurso.
(He refused to participate in the contest.)
Denegar
'Denegar' is a formal way to say deny or refuse, often used in legal contexts or official decrees.
La corte denegó su apelación.
(The court denied his appeal.)
Negar
'Negar' means to deny, it is commonly used in general contexts when denying a statement, fact or accusation.
Ella negó haber estado en el lugar del crimen.
(She denied being at the crime scene.)
Rehusar
'Rehusar' is essentially synonymous with rechazar but is less commonly used. It involves refusing or declining something that's offered.
Rehusó la oferta de ayuda.
(He refused the offer of help.)
Rehusarse
'Rehusarse' implies a stronger and more personal refusal, often involving refusal of performing an action oneself and most commonly used in Latin american Spanish.
Se rehusó a prestar su coche para la carrera.
(He refused to lend his car for the race.)
Summary
Though all these verbs can mean 'to refuse', their usage varies with context. 'Rechazar' and 'rehusar' are general terms for rejection; 'negarse' and 'rehusarse' are about personal refusal; while 'denegar' and 'negar' involve formal denial and denial of facts respectively.