Japanese word

言い分

Pronunciation

Romajiiibun

Meaning

  • nounside

Example

まず彼の言い分を聞きましょう。ma zu kare no i i bun o ki ki ma shō

Let's hear his side first.

Illustration for 言い分 (side)

More examples

相手の言い分にも、納得できる点があります。ai te no i i bun ni mo nat toku de ki ru ten ga a ri ma su

There are points in the other person's argument that I find convincing.

Core concept

Frames what someone says as their own side of an issue, including the reasons and claims they put forward.

Common phrases

  • 相手の言い分ai te no i i bun

    the other person's side

  • 言い分を述べるi i bun o no be ru

    state one's case

  • 言い分を聞くi i bun o ki ku

    hear someone's side

  • 言い分があるi i bun ga a ru

    have a point

Similar words

主張shuchō: A position or case put forward with reasons in a disagreement.
意見iken: A view or judgment held about a matter.
弁明benmei: An explanation or defense given for one's actions or position.

Definition in Japanese

自分の立場から述べる事情や主張。ji bun no tachi ba ka ra no be ru ji jō ya shu chō

Word origin

言い (ii, "saying") is the continuative form of 言う (iu, "to say"), and 分 (bun, "share or part") frames what is said as one party's share of an issue.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 言い分がある (iibun ga aru) describes a person as having a case or claim to present, especially when a disagreement is involved.

Other meanings

  • claimnoun
  • pointnoun
  • saynoun

Word lists with this word