1.
consistency; coherence; logical connection
Whether the parts of a story, argument, or explanation fit together logically. Almost always used in the set phrase 辻褄が合う (to be consistent) or 辻褄を合わせる (to make things consistent).
Even if you try to force the story to be consistent, people will see through it right away.
Rarely used alone — almost always appears in set phrases. The word comes from sewing terminology: 辻 (crossroads/seam intersection) + 褄 (hem), referring to whether seams line up properly at their meeting points.
Common patterns
- 辻褄が合う (to be consistent, to add up)
- 辻褄が合わない (to be inconsistent, not add up)
- 辻褄を合わせる (to make things consistent, to reconcile)