Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Reason" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "reason", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
訳
わけ (wake)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
いわく
いわく (iwaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "reason" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 訳 and いわく.
In Japanese, 訳 (わけ (wake)) is typically associated with "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」.
On the other hand, いわく (いわく (iwaku)) maps to "reason, cause, history, legend (often with a negative connotation or mystery)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used to introduce something mysterious, suspicious, or with a specific backstory. Can also mean 'according to...' when quoting someone, often with skepticism.. A literal translation of "reason" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "いわく"
その屋敷にはいわくがあると言われている。
It is said that there is a story/mystery behind that mansion.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼が遅れたのは電車が遅れた ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "The reason he was late was that the train was delayed.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "訳" fits here because it means "reason; cause; meaning; circumstances; result" in the context of: "The reason he was late was that the train was delayed.". "いわく" represents "reason, cause, history, legend (often with a negative connotation or mystery)".