Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Excuse" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "excuse", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
弁解
べんかい (benkai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
免じる
めんじる (menjiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "excuse" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 弁解 and 免じる.
In Japanese, 弁解 (べんかい (benkai)) is typically associated with "excuse; explanation; justification; defense" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to making excuses, explaining one's actions to avoid blame, or defending oneself. Often used as 弁解する.
On the other hand, 免じる (めんじる (menjiru)) maps to "to excuse, to exempt, to remit, to forgive" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A somewhat formal verb. Often used in contexts of excusing someone from a duty, forgiving a fault, or remitting a punishment/fine. A literal translation of "excuse" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "弁解"
どれだけ見苦しい_______を重ねても、犯したミスが消えるわけではありません。
No matter how many unsightly excuses you pile up, the mistake you made will not disappear.
Bilingual Context for "免じる"
今回は特別に失敗を免じてあげよう。
I will make an exception and forgive your mistake this time.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "どれだけ見苦しい_______を重ねても、犯したミスが消えるわけではありません。" (Meaning: "No matter how many unsightly excuses you pile up, the mistake you made will not disappear.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "弁解" fits here because it means "excuse; explanation; justification; defense" in the context of: "No matter how many unsightly excuses you pile up, the mistake you made will not disappear.". "免じる" represents "to excuse, to exempt, to remit, to forgive".