Translation guide
The English word 'alibi' can refer to a legal defense proving one was elsewhere during a crime, or more generally to an excuse or reason for not doing something. In Japanese, the legal sense is commonly expressed with loanwords, while the general excuse sense uses native terms.
Proving one was not at the scene of a crime because they were somewhere else.
The most common and direct equivalent, a loanword from English. Used in legal and everyday contexts.
He has a solid alibi.
Can you prove your alibi?
A more formal, legal term literally meaning 'proof of absence from the scene'. Used in official contexts.
You need to submit proof of absence from the scene.
Providing a justification or pretext to avoid an obligation or explain an absence.
The most common word for an excuse or justification, often with a negative connotation of making excuses.
Think of an excuse for being late.
A pretext or ostensible reason, often used when the real reason is different. Slightly more formal than 言い訳.
Sometimes used metaphorically for a general excuse, but this usage is less common and may sound affected.
言い訳 (iiwake) is a general excuse, often for a mistake or failure, and can carry a sense of making excuses. 口実 (koujitsu) is a pretext, a reason given to hide the true motive, and is more neutral in tone.
Stop making excuses.
I used that as an excuse to leave early.
That's just an excuse.
彼は病気を口実に会議を欠席した。
He used illness as a pretext to skip the meeting.
彼は仕事をアリバイにしてパーティーを欠席した。
He used work as an alibi to skip the party.