理屈(りくつ)

りくつ
noun
logic, reason
1. logic, reasoning, theory
The principles or reasoning behind something.
理屈(りくつ)は分(わ)かるけど...。
I understand the logic, but...
理屈(りくつ)では分(わ)かっていても、なかなか実行(じっこう)できない。
Even though I understand it in theory, I can't easily put it into practice.
その理屈(りくつ)は正(ただ)しいと思(おも)う。
I think that reasoning is correct.
2. excuse, argument (negative connotation)
Used negatively to describe someone who argues too much or makes excuses.
理屈(りくつ)を言(い)うな。
Don't argue. / Don't make excuses.
Negative usage
理屈(りくつ)っぽい人(ひと)だ。
They're an argumentative person.
理屈(りくつ)ばかり言(い)っていないで、早(はや)くやりなさい。
Stop just making excuses and do it already.

理屈(りくつ) can be neutral (logic, reasoning) or negative (excessive argumentation, excuses). Context determines the nuance.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 理屈(りくつ)を言(い)う: to argue, to make excuses (often negative)
  • 理屈(りくつ)っぽい: argumentative, pedantic
  • 理屈(りくつ)に合(あ)う: to make sense, to be logical
  • 理屈(りくつ)では: in theory (implying practice differs)
  • 理屈(りくつ)抜(ぬ)きで: without reasoning, intuitively

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 論理(ろんり): logic (formal, academic)
  • 道理(どうり): reason, principle (natural/moral reasoning)
  • 屁理屈(へりくつ): sophistry, quibbling (strongly negative)

USAGE:
When someone says 理屈(りくつ)ばかり言(い)う, it implies the person argues too much instead of taking action.

Related Words

Related: 論理(ろんり) (logic (formal))
Related: 道理(どうり) (reason, principle)
general
Added 2026.1.11 21:26 · Revised 2026.4.6 11:49
02500/02513_rikutsu