negarse a
verbCEFR B2
What does “negarse a” mean in English?
to refuse to
to refuse to (negarse a + infinitive — decline to do something; always reflexive)
Example sentences
La empresa se negó a revelar los términos del contrato alegando cláusulas de confidencialidad.
The company refused to disclose the terms of the contract, citing confidentiality clauses.
Se negó a firmar el acuerdo hasta que se modificaran las condiciones laborales.
She refused to sign the agreement until the labour conditions were modified.
How to use it
Negarse a means 'to refuse to'. Always reflexive; followed by a + infinitive. The direct object of refusal is expressed through the infinitive. More formal than no querer. Common in legal, institutional, and interpersonal discourse. Don't confuse with rechazar (reject — decline an offer/proposal).
Common mistake
Negarse a (refuse to do — reflexive + infinitive) vs. rechazar (reject — decline an offer/idea as noun) vs. denegar (deny officially — administrative). Negarse a always takes an infinitive; rechazar takes a noun.