Japanese word

理屈

Pronunciation

Romajirikutsu

Meaning

  • nounlogic

Example

その理屈はよく分かりません。so no ri kutsu wa yo ku wa ka ri ma se n

I do not really understand that logic.

Illustration for 理屈 (logic)

More examples

感情ではなく、理屈で説明してください。kan jō de wa na ku ri kutsu de setsu mei shi te ku da sa i

Please explain it with logic rather than emotion.

Core concept

It frames facts and ideas as a chain of thought used to explain or justify a conclusion.

Common phrases

  • 理屈が通るri kutsu ga tō ru

    be logically consistent

  • 理屈をこねるri kutsu o ko ne ru

    argue sophistically

Similar words

論理ronri: A consistent system of connected ideas used to reach a conclusion.
道理dōri: A reason grounded in what is sensible or fair.
筋道sujimichi: The sequence of reasoning that shows how a conclusion follows.

Definition in Japanese

物事を説明したり正当化したりするための、筋の通った考えや理由。mono goto o setsu mei shi ta ri sei tō ka shi ta ri su ru ta me no suji no kayo tta kanga e ya ri yū

Word origin

理屈 (rikutsu) combines 理 (ri, "reason or principle") with 屈 (kutsu, "bend or yield"); this Sino-Japanese compound denotes reasoning or an argument in Japanese.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 理屈 (rikutsu) often contrasts with feelings or practical concerns, as when something makes sense in theory but fails in real life.

Other meanings

  • reasonnoun

Related words

  • 理屈っぽいrikutsuppoiargumentativena-adjective
  • 理屈屋rikutsuyaargumentative personnoun

Word lists with this word