Japanese word

理由

Pronunciation

Romajiriyū

Meaning

  • nounreason

Example

その理由を教えてください。so no ri yū o oshi e te ku da sa i

Please tell me the reason.

Illustration for 理由 (reason)

More examples

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.

Core concept

Identifies what lies behind an event, decision, or action and makes it understandable.

Common phrases

  • 理由を聞くri yū o ki ku

    ask the reason

  • 理由を説明するri yū o setsu mei su ru

    explain the reason

  • 理由があるri yū ga a ru

    have a reason

Similar words

訳wake: A casual explanation for a situation, action, or decision.
原因genin: The event or condition that makes another event happen.
言い訳iiwake: An explanation given to defend an action, often when it is not accepted.
事情jijō: The facts and conditions surrounding a situation or event.

Definition in Japanese

出来事や判断、行動の原因またはそれを支える根拠となる事情。de ki goto ya han dan kō dō no gen in ma ta wa so re o sasa e ru kon kyo to na ru ji jō

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 理由 (riyū) combines 理 (ri, "principle or reason") with 由 (yū, "cause or origin").

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 理由 (riyū) usually gives a neutral explanation, while "excuse" can suggest that the explanation is not accepted.

Other meanings

  • excusenoun
  • motivenoun

Word lists with this word