Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Excuse" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "excuse", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
言い訳
いいわけ (iiwake)
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 言い訳 and 免じる.
In Japanese, 言い訳 (いいわけ (iiwake)) is typically associated with "excuse, explanation" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used for giving reasons to avoid responsibility or for a minor mistake. Can have a negative connotation..
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 "言い訳"
彼はいつも言い訳ばかりしている。
He's always making excuses.
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: "彼はいつも ＿＿＿ ばかりしている。" (Meaning: "He's always making excuses.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "言い訳" fits here because it means "excuse, explanation" in the context of: "He's always making excuses.". "免じる" represents "to excuse, to exempt, to remit, to forgive".