synonym Comparative
理由
VS
ごめんなさい
Differences Between "理由" and "ごめんなさい"
Option A
理由
Meaning
reason; excuse
Reading
りゆう (riyū)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
遅刻した理由を、詳しく説明してください。
Please explain the reason for your tardiness in detail.
Option B
ごめんなさい
Meaning
I'm sorry; Excuse me
Reading
ごめんなさい (gomen nasai)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
遅れてごめんなさい。
I'm sorry for being late.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(reason; excuse)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 理由: Refers to the reason or motive for an action. Contrast with 原因 (cause, which is objective). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'You don't know the reason why I'm mad?! It's because you were chatting and giggling with another girl! ...W-What?! "The manager is jealous"?! S-Shut up! That's not the reason!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『私が怒ってる理由がわからないって？！あんたが他の女とヘラヘラ喋ってたからに決まってるでしょ！...な、何よ？！「部長が嫉妬してる」ですって？！ば、バカ！そんなのが理由なわけないでしょ！』
- ごめんなさい: A common, relatively informal way to apologize. 「すみません」 can also mean 'excuse me' or 'thank you' and is slightly more versatile/formal.
- 理由: Refers to the reason or motive for an action. Contrast with 原因 (cause, which is objective). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'You don't know the reason why I'm mad?! It's because you were chatting and giggling with another girl! ...W-What?! "The manager is jealous"?! S-Shut up! That's not the reason!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『私が怒ってる理由がわからないって？！あんたが他の女とヘラヘラ喋ってたからに決まってるでしょ！...な、何よ？！「部長が嫉妬してる」ですって？！ば、バカ！そんなのが理由なわけないでしょ！』
- ごめんなさい: A common, relatively informal way to apologize. 「すみません」 can also mean 'excuse me' or 'thank you' and is slightly more versatile/formal.
Want to boost your Japanese vocabulary?
Project Eagle automatically tracks and targets your weak words using AI. Practice thousands of operational exams completely for free!