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
訳
わけ (wake)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "reason" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 理由 and 訳.
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, 訳 (わけ (wake)) maps to "reason; cause; meaning; circumstances; result" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Explains the reason or circumstances behind something. Often used in phrases like 「〜わけだ」. 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 "訳"
彼が遅れたのは電車が遅れた訳です。
The reason he was late was that the train was delayed.
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.". "訳" represents "reason; cause; meaning; circumstances; result".