synonym Comparative
弁解
VS
あしからず
Differences Between "弁解" and "あしからず"
Option A
弁解
Meaning
excuse; explanation; justification; defense
Reading
べんかい (benkai)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
どれだけ見苦しい_______を重ねても、犯したミスが消えるわけではありません。
No matter how many unsightly excuses you pile up, the mistake you made will not disappear.
Option B
あしからず
Meaning
I'm sorry (but I can't do that), please don't take offense, please excuse me
Reading
あしからず (ashikarazu)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
本日は満席ですので、あしからずご了承ください。
We are fully booked today, so please excuse us.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(excuse; explanation; justification; defense)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 弁解: Refers to making excuses, explaining one's actions to avoid blame, or defending oneself. Often used as 弁解する (to make excuses). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'No excuses! I don't want to hear your flimsy excuses for being late to our meeting! ...Unless your excuse is that you were busy picking out a gift for me? Tell me!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『弁解無用！私との大切な打ち合わせに遅刻した言い訳なんて聞きたくないわ！…あ、でも、もし私へのプレゼントを必死で選んでて遅れたって言うなら、特別に許してあげなくもないけど？』
- あしからず: A polite and somewhat formal way to decline a request or deliver bad news, asking for understanding. Often used with a negative implication (e.g., 'I can't'). (相手に不都合な事柄を伝える際に、理解や許しを求める丁寧な表現です。)
- 弁解: Refers to making excuses, explaining one's actions to avoid blame, or defending oneself. Often used as 弁解する (to make excuses). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'No excuses! I don't want to hear your flimsy excuses for being late to our meeting! ...Unless your excuse is that you were busy picking out a gift for me? Tell me!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『弁解無用！私との大切な打ち合わせに遅刻した言い訳なんて聞きたくないわ！…あ、でも、もし私へのプレゼントを必死で選んでて遅れたって言うなら、特別に許してあげなくもないけど？』
- あしからず: A polite and somewhat formal way to decline a request or deliver bad news, asking for understanding. Often used with a negative implication (e.g., 'I can't'). (相手に不都合な事柄を伝える際に、理解や許しを求める丁寧な表現です。)
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