と言えるCan reasonably be said
と言える presents a conclusion as something the available facts or reasoning allow you to say fairly. It sounds more considered and less blunt than simply stating the conclusion.
From evidence to a conclusion
The clause before と is the conclusion being evaluated. The surrounding sentence or context normally supplies facts, observations, or reasoning that make that conclusion defensible.
Reasoned conclusions
Notice how each conclusion is supported rather than merely asserted.
調査では利用者の八割が満足している。新しい制度は一定の成果を上げたと言える。
According to the survey, eighty percent of users are satisfied. It is fair to say that the new system has achieved some results.
Analyze説明が専門用語ばかりなので、初心者への配慮が足りないと言える。
Because the explanation is full of technical terms, it is fair to say that it does not give enough consideration to beginners.
AnalyzeChoosing the right degree of qualification
Swipe sideways to compare every column.
| Form | Typical force |
|---|---|
| と言える | A reasoned conclusion presented fairly directly. |
| とも言える | An additional or alternative way of characterizing the situation. |
| と言えるだろう | A more tentative conclusion that leaves greater room for disagreement. |
Qualified conclusions
彼は資料を何度も確認してから答えた。その慎重さが成功につながったとも言える。
He checked the materials repeatedly before answering. One could also say that this carefulness contributed to his success.
Analyzeとも言える presents this as one valid interpretation, not necessarily the only one.
十年間、大きな事故がないことを考えれば、この仕組みは安全だと言えるだろう。
Considering that there have been no major accidents for ten years, it would be reasonable to call this system safe.
Analyzeだろう makes the assessment less absolute.
Do not confuse evaluation, certainty, and reporting
と言える asks whether a conclusion is reasonably supportable. に違いない instead emphasizes the speaker's strong conviction, while ということだ reports information or explains what known facts mean rather than judging whether a description can fairly be made.
More examples
毎月売り上げが伸びているので、事業は順調に進んでいると言える。
Since sales are increasing every month, it is fair to say that the business is progressing well.
Analyze観客の多くが高く評価しており、公演は成功したと言える。
Most of the audience rated it highly, so the performance can reasonably be called a success.
Analyze両者の案には共通点が多く、基本的な方向は同じだとも言える。
The two proposals have many points in common, so one could also say that their basic direction is the same.
Analyze前回より平均点が大きく上がったため、学習方法の変更には効果があったと言える。
Because the average score rose considerably from the previous time, it is fair to say that changing the study method was effective.
Analyze費用は予定内に収まり、作業も期限までに終わった。計画は順調だったと言える。
The costs stayed within budget, and the work was completed by the deadline. It is fair to say that the plan went smoothly.
Analyze過去五年間、人口が増え続けている。この地域は成長していると言えるだろう。
The population has continued to grow for the past five years. It would be reasonable to say that this region is developing.
Analyze