1.
sound argument, valid point, correct reasoning
A logically correct or morally right argument that is difficult to refute. While objectively correct, it can sometimes carry a nuance that the argument, though right, may be impractical or hard to accept emotionally.
それは正論だけど、実行するのは難しい。
That's a valid point, but it's hard to put into practice.
彼の言うことは正論だから反論できない。
What he says is a sound argument, so I can't argue against it.
正論ばかり言っていても、相手の気持ちは変わらないこともある。
Even if you keep making valid arguments, sometimes the other person's feelings won't change.
USAGE:
Often used with だ/です or を言う. A distinctive cultural nuance: in Japanese, 正論 can carry a slightly negative connotation — the idea that someone is technically correct but perhaps insensitive to the situation or others' feelings. The phrase 正論を振りかざす (to brandish a correct argument) is used critically.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 正論を言う: to state a valid argument
- 正論を振りかざす: to wield a correct argument (negative)
- 正論で返す: to respond with a sound argument
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 道理: reason, logic (more general concept of what makes sense)
- 筋: logic, coherence (informal: 筋が通る means "makes logical sense")