方便(ほうべん)

ほうべん
noun
expedient; convenient means
abstract
1. expedient; means to an end
A convenient means of achieving a goal, often one that is not quite honest but is justified by its purpose.
嘘(うそ)も方便(ほうべん)。
Sometimes a lie serves a good end.
それは単(たん)なる方便(ほうべん)にすぎない。
That is nothing more than a convenient pretext.
子(こ)どもを早(はや)く寝(ね)かせる方便(ほうべん)として、「お化(ば)けが来(く)るよ」と言(い)った。
As a way to get the child to bed early, I said, 'A ghost will come.'

Common expressions

Etymology

  • A Buddhist term for the skillful means by which the Buddha leads people to the truth, adapting the teaching to the listener. The everyday sense keeps the idea of a means justified by its end.
general
Added 2026.9.30 2:05 · Revised 2026.9.30 2:09
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