Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Excuse" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "excuse", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
口実
こうじつ (kōjitsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
お先に
おさきに (osaki ni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "excuse" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 口実 and お先に.
In Japanese, 口実 (こうじつ (kōjitsu)) is typically associated with "an excuse; a pretext" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a reason given to hide the real reason or to avoid doing something. Often implies a fabricated or insincere reason..
On the other hand, お先に (おさきに (osaki ni)) maps to "Excuse me for going/leaving first; After you" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when leaving before others or doing something before others, expressing a slight apology or courtesy. Also used to politely offer someone to go first. A literal translation of "excuse" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "口実"
彼は忙しいのを口実にして、手伝いを断った。
He used being busy as an excuse to refuse to help.
Bilingual Context for "お先に"
お先に失礼します。
Excuse me for leaving first.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は忙しいのを ＿＿＿ にして、手伝いを断った。" (Meaning: "He used being busy as an excuse to refuse to help.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "口実" fits here because it means "an excuse; a pretext" in the context of: "He used being busy as an excuse to refuse to help.". "お先に" represents "Excuse me for going/leaving first; After you".