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
お邪魔します
おじゃまします (ojamashimasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "excuse" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 口実 and お邪魔します.
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, お邪魔します (おじゃまします (ojamashimasu)) maps to "Excuse me for disturbing; (polite phrase used when entering someone's home/office)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A polite, set phrase used when visiting someone's home or office, expressing apology for imposing on their space. 主に家や部屋に入る際に言います。. 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 "お邪魔します"
友達の家を訪ねるとき、ドアを開けて「お邪魔します」と言いました。
When visiting a friend's house, I opened the door and said 'Ojamashimasu'.
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.". "お邪魔します" represents "Excuse me for disturbing; (polite phrase used when entering someone's home/office)".