Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Explanation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "explanation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
弁明
べんめい (benmei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
釈明
しゃくめい (shakumei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "explanation" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 弁明 and 釈明.
In Japanese, 弁明 (べんめい (benmei)) is typically associated with "explanation; defense; vindication; clarification of motives" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to making a formal explanation, defense, vindication, or clarification of one's motives/circumstances to clear up misunderstandings. Often used with する as a verb.
On the other hand, 釈明 (しゃくめい (shakumei)) maps to "explanation; clarification; excusing oneself; apology/vindication" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to explaining, clarifying, or excusing one's actions, particularly when a public figure or worker is suspected of wrongdoing or causes a problem. Often used as 釈明会見. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Explanation! Give me a clear explanation about why you were smiling at that girl from the accounting department! ...っ, I am NOT jealous! I just care about organizational order!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『釈明しなさい！経理の女の子に向かって、何でそんなに嬉しそうにデレデレ微笑みかけてたのよ！釈明を求めるわ！…し、しし、嫉妬じゃないわよ、社内秩序の維持よ！』. A literal translation of "explanation" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "弁明"
誤解を解くために記者会見を開き、詳細な_______を行いましたが、世論は納得しませんでした。
In order to clear up the misunderstanding, they held a press conference and gave a detailed explanation, but public opinion was not convinced.
Bilingual Context for "釈明"
度重なる失言に対し、その議員は釈明会見を開きましたが、かえって批判を_______結果となりました。
Toward his repeated gaffes, the lawmaker held a press conference to explain, but it rather resulted in drawing criticism.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "誤解を解くために記者会見を開き、詳細な_______を行いましたが、世論は納得しませんでした。" (Meaning: "In order to clear up the misunderstanding, they held a press conference and gave a detailed explanation, but public opinion was not convinced.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "弁明" fits here because it means "explanation; defense; vindication; clarification of motives" in the context of: "In order to clear up the misunderstanding, they held a press conference and gave a detailed explanation, but public opinion was not convinced.". "釈明" represents "explanation; clarification; excusing oneself; apology/vindication".