Chinese phrase
这不是理由 zhè bú shì lǐ yóu
Meaning
That is not a reason
When to use it
It rejects a reason as not good enough. It often sounds firm and says that an explanation does not excuse an action.
Example dialogue
对不起，我迟到了，因为地铁晚点了。 duì bù qǐ wǒ chí dào le yīn wèi dì tiě wán diǎn le
Sorry, I was late because the subway was delayed.
这不是理由，你应该早点出门。 zhè bú shì lǐ yóu nǐ yīng gāi záo diǎn chū mén
That's not a reason. You should have left home earlier.