Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Reason" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "reason", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
理由
りゆう (riyū)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
理性
りせい (risei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "reason" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 理由 and 理性.
In Japanese, 理由 (りゆう (riyū)) is typically associated with "reason, motive" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A noun referring to the cause or explanation for something. Often used with なぜ.
On the other hand, 理性 (りせい (risei)) maps to "reason; intellect; self-control; sanity; rational mind" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to reason, intellect, self-control, sanity, or the rational mind that suppresses emotional impulses to make logical and moral decisions. Often used as 理性を失う. A literal translation of "reason" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "理由"
遅刻した理由を教えてください。
Please tell me the reason for being late.
Bilingual Context for "理性"
激しい怒りを感じたとしても、感情のままに行動せず、_______を保って冷静に対処することが求められます。
Even if one feels intense anger, they are required to maintain reason and handle it calmly without acting on emotion.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "遅刻した ＿＿＿ を教えてください。" (Meaning: "Please tell me the reason for being late.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "理由" fits here because it means "reason, motive" in the context of: "Please tell me the reason for being late.". "理性" represents "reason; intellect; self-control; sanity; rational mind".