弁明(べんめい)

べんめい
noun, suru verb
explanation; vindication; defense
1. explanation; vindication; defense
explaining or defending oneself against accusations or misunderstanding, often in a formal context
弁明(べんめい)の機会(きかい)を与(あた)える。
To give an opportunity for explanation.
彼(かれ)は疑惑(ぎわく)について弁明(べんめい)した。
He defended himself regarding the suspicions.
弁明(べんめい)の余地(よち)がない状況(じょうきょう)だった。
It was a situation where no defense was possible.
記者会見(きしゃかいけん)で弁明(べんめい)に追(お)われた。
They were pressed to defend themselves at the press conference.

弁明(べんめい) refers to explaining or defending oneself against accusations or criticism, more formal and serious than 弁解(べんかい).

KANJI BREAKDOWN:

  • 弁(べん) (speak, explain, argue)
  • 明(めい) (bright, clear, explain)

USAGE:

  • 弁明(べんめい)する (to explain/defend oneself - suru verb)
  • 弁明(べんめい)の機会(きかい) (opportunity to explain)
  • 弁明(べんめい)の余地(よち) (room for explanation/defense)

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 弁明(べんめい)を求(もと)める (to demand an explanation)
  • 弁明(べんめい)に終始(しゅうし)する (to spend all one's time defending)
  • 弁明(べんめい)を試(こころ)みる (to attempt a defense)

CONTRAST:

  • 弁解(べんかい) - excuse, justification (more excuse-like)
  • 弁明(べんめい) - explanation, vindication (more defensive/formal)
  • 釈明(しゃくめい) - explanation, clarification (neutral)

CONTEXTS:

  • Press conferences, legal proceedings
  • Formal explanations to authorities
  • Defending one's reputation or actions

RELATED TERMS:

  • 弁解(べんかい) (excuse, justification)
  • 釈明(しゃくめい) (explanation, clarification)
  • 弁護(べんご) (defense, advocacy)
  • 申し{開(ひら)き} (excuse, vindication)
general
Added 2026.1.25 8:46 · Revised 2026.2.19 21:32
08000/08007_benmei