Japanese word

弁解

Pronunciation

Romajibenkai

Meaning

  • nounexcuse

Example

私は遅刻について弁解しました。watashi wa chi koku ni tsu i te ben kai shi ma shi ta

I made an excuse for being late.

Illustration for 弁解 (excuse)

More examples

彼女は事実を説明しただけで、弁解はしませんでした。kano jo wa ji jitsu o setsu mei shi ta da ke de ben kai wa shi ma se n de shi ta

She only explained the facts and did not make excuses.

Core concept

Centers on giving reasons for an action so that it appears understandable or justified rather than blameworthy.

Common phrases

  • 弁解をするben kai o su ru

    make an excuse

  • 弁解の余地ben kai no yo chi

    room for excuses

  • 弁解を重ねるben kai o kasa ne ru

    repeat excuses

Similar words

言い訳iiwake: A reason given to avoid blame for an action or failure, often in a defensive way.
弁明benmei: A formal explanation that defends a person's action or position against criticism.
釈明shakumei: An explanation given to clear up doubts or accusations about an action or statement.

Definition in Japanese

自分の行為や事情について説明し、過ちや非難を受ける理由がないことを主張すること。ji bun no kō i ya ji jō ni tsu i te setsu mei shi ayama chi ya hi nan o u ke ru ri yū ga na i ko to o shu chō su ru ko to

Word origin

弁 (ben, "argue") and 解 (kai, "untie or explain") combine in 弁解 (benkai) to express an explanation offered to settle blame.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 弁解 (benkai) commonly describes an explanation that sounds defensive, while a simple factual explanation may not carry that implication.

Other meanings

  • defensenoun
  • justificationnoun

Related words

  • 弁解するbenkaisurudefend oneselfverb
  • 弁解がましいbenkaigamashiidefensivena-adjective

Word lists with this word