1.
excuse
A reason given to justify or explain one's actions, often implying it may not be entirely valid.
遅刻の言い訳ばかりするな。
Stop making excuses for being late.
彼の言い訳は信じられない。
I can't believe his excuse.
言い訳をする暇があったら行動しろ。
Instead of making excuses, take action.
2.
explanation; justification
An attempt to explain the circumstances behind something.
事情を言い訳した。
I explained the circumstances.
言い訳を聞いてください。
Please hear my explanation.
彼女は自分の立場を言い訳するために長い手紙を書いた。
She wrote a long letter to explain her position.
言い訳 often carries a negative nuance, implying the reason may not be genuine.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 言い訳をする - to make an excuse
- 言い訳にならない - is no excuse
- 言い訳ばかり - nothing but excuses
- 言い訳無用 - no excuses accepted
NUANCE:
言い訳 typically implies the speaker is trying to avoid responsibility or make themselves look better, whereas 説明 (explanation) is more neutral.
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 言い訳がましい - excuse-making, overly apologetic
- 屁理屈 - sophistry, specious argument
SURU-VERB USAGE:
言い訳する can be used as a verb meaning "to make excuses."