N3
べんめい (benmei)
弁明
explanation; defense; vindication; clarification of motives
💡 Nuance & Usage:
Refers to making a formal explanation, defense, vindication, or clarification of one's motives/circumstances to clear up misunderstandings. Often used with する as a verb (弁明する). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'No justification! I don't want to hear your justification for why you didn't text me back last night! ...Unless your justification is that you fell asleep thinking about me?' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『弁明？！昨日の夜、私からのメッセージに返信しなかった弁明を聞かせなさい！…あ、でも、『部長のことを考えてたら寝落ちした』っていう可愛い弁明なら、許してあげるわ！』
📝 Example Sentences
誤解を解くために記者会見を開き、詳細な_______を行いましたが、世論は納得しませんでした。
In order to clear up the misunderstanding, they held a press conference and gave a detailed explanation, but public opinion was not convinced.
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of "弁明"!
彼は自分の行動の意図について、一切の_______を拒否して沈黙を保ちました。
🎉 正解 / Correct!
日本語: 事情を説明して身の潔白を示す「弁明」が正解です。ハルカ部長：『弁明を拒否する！頑固ね！私に対しては、言い訳も弁明も不要、ただストレートに「部長が大好きです」って言いなさい！』
English: Since it represents explaining circumstances to clear oneself, 'explanation/defense' (benmei) is correct. Haruka: 'Refusing defense! Stubborn! Toward me, no excuses or defenses are needed—just say "I love you, manager" directly!'
English: Since it represents explaining circumstances to clear oneself, 'explanation/defense' (benmei) is correct. Haruka: 'Refusing defense! Stubborn! Toward me, no excuses or defenses are needed—just say "I love you, manager" directly!'
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