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
B1This 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
B1This 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
B2Denegar 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
B1Negar 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
B2Rehusar 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
B2Rehusarse 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.