English–Japanese
“reason” in Japanese
How to say “reason” in Japanese
“Reason” in Japanese is 理由 (riyū).
Identifies what lies behind an event, decision, or action and makes it understandable.
Example sentences with 理由
理由を教えてください。ri yū o oshi e te ku da sa i
Please tell me the reason.
彼が休んだ理由が分かりません。kare ga yasu n da ri yū ga wa ka ri ma se n
I do not understand the reason he was absent.
Tips for using 理由
- In everyday conversation, 理由 (riyū) usually gives a neutral explanation, while "excuse" can suggest that the explanation is not accepted.
Other Japanese words for “reason”
遅れた訳を話してください。oku re ta wake o hana shi te ku da sa i
Please tell me why you were late.
困った時こそ、理性を働かせてください。koma tta toki ko so ri sei o hatara ka se te ku da sa i
When you are in trouble, please use your reason.