言い訳 — meaning in English: excuse

iiwake · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for excuse

挑戦

chōsen

言い訳

iiwake

教育

kyōiku

辞書

jisho

混乱

konran

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informal common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 言い訳 (iiwake) in everyday conversations when discussing reasons for a mistake or failure. For example, a student might say it to explain why they didn't complete their homework on time, or a colleague might use it during a meeting to justify a missed deadline.

Synonyms & nuances

While 言い訳 (iiwake) specifically refers to an excuse, the word 理由 (riyuu) means 'reason' and is more neutral. You would choose 言い訳 when you want to emphasize the notion of justifying or defending an action, often with a hint of guilt or defensiveness.

Culture

The word 言い訳 (iiwake) has its roots in the Japanese verb 言う (iu), meaning 'to say' or 'to tell.' Culturally, making excuses can sometimes be viewed negatively, as it may suggest a lack of accountability. However, it's also seen as a natural part of communication, especially when navigating social interactions.

FAQ

Q.What does 言い訳 (iiwake) mean in English?

言い訳 (iiwake) translates to 'excuse' in English, primarily referring to justifications for mistakes or failures.

Q.How do you use 言い訳 in a sentence?

You can use 言い訳 in a sentence like this: '彼は遅れた理由を言い訳として説明した。' (He explained his lateness as an excuse.)

Q.Are there situations where using 言い訳 is inappropriate?

Yes, using 言い訳 can be viewed negatively if it appears that someone is trying to avoid responsibility. It's advisable to use it sparingly, especially in formal situations.

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