Translation guide
How to express the idea of being logical, reasonable, or rational in Japanese, depending on context.
To say someone thinks or acts in a logical, reasonable way.
The most direct and common way to say someone is logical. Used for people, arguments, or thinking.
He is very logical.
Her way of thinking is logical.
Describes someone who is overly logical or argumentative, often with a negative nuance of being too theoretical or nitpicky.
That person is so logical/argumentative, it's tiring to talk to them.
Means rational or reasonable, often emphasizing efficiency and practicality rather than pure logic.
His decisions are always rational.
Urging someone to think or act more logically.
A common way to say 'think logically'. The て-form makes it a request or suggestion.
Please think more logically.
Literally 'think calmly', often used when someone is being emotional and you want them to be rational.
Try to think about it calmly/logically.
Used negatively to tell someone not to overthink or be too theoretical. 'Don't be so logical' in a critical sense.
To say that a statement, reasoning, or plan makes sense and is coherent.
Means 'makes sense', 'is consistent', or 'is logical'. Very common for evaluating reasoning.
His explanation is logical/makes sense.
Means 'stands to reason', 'is reasonable'. Slightly more formal than 筋が通っている.
That proposal is logical/reasonable.
Can also be used for arguments, but 筋が通っている is more natural in everyday speech.
His opinion is logical.
Referring to the quality of being logical in the abstract.
論理的 (ronriteki) emphasizes formal logic and consistency, while 合理的 (gōriteki) emphasizes practical rationality and efficiency. In everyday use, 筋が通っている is often more natural than either.
He is logical but not practical.
Directly translating 'be logical' as 論理的であれ is unnatural and overly imperative. Use 論理的に考えて or 筋を通して instead.
Don't overthink it, just do what you feel.
合理性を重視する。
To value rationality.