Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Plausible" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "plausible", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
もっともらしい
もっともらしい (mottomorashii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
蓋然的推論
がいぜんてきすいろん (gaizenteki suiron)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "plausible" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もっともらしい and 蓋然的推論.
In Japanese, もっともらしい (もっともらしい (mottomorashii)) is typically associated with "plausible; specious; seemingly true; convincing" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something that appears reasonable or true, but might not be entirely genuine or honest upon closer inspection. It can imply a hint of suspicion or deception..
On the other hand, 蓋然的推論 (がいぜんてきすいろん (gaizenteki suiron)) maps to "plausible inference / probabilistic reasoning" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "plausible" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "もっともらしい"
彼の言い訳はもっともらしく聞こえたが、どこか疑わしかった。
His excuse sounded plausible, but it felt somewhat suspicious.
Bilingual Context for "蓋然的推論"
私は蓋然的推論に興味があります。
I am interested in plausible inference / probabilistic reasoning.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の言い訳はもっともらしく聞こえたが、どこか疑わしかった。" (Meaning: "His excuse sounded plausible, but it felt somewhat suspicious.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "もっともらしい" fits here because it means "plausible; specious; seemingly true; convincing" in the context of: "His excuse sounded plausible, but it felt somewhat suspicious.". "蓋然的推論" represents "plausible inference / probabilistic reasoning".