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
国家理性
こっかりせい (kokkarisei)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "reason" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 訳 and 国家理性.
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, 国家理性 (こっかりせい (kokkarisei)) maps to "reason of state / raison d'état" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "国家理性"
私は国家理性に興味があります。
I am interested in reason of state / raison d'état.
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.". "国家理性" represents "reason of state / raison d'état".