Translation guide
How to express the idea of being reasonable, sensible, or fair in Japanese, depending on whether you mean acting rationally, making a fair request, or expecting something realistic.
Telling someone to be reasonable, think logically, or not be emotional.
Literally 'become calm'. A common way to ask someone to be reasonable by calming down and thinking clearly.
冷静になって、もう一度考えてみて。
Be reasonable and think it over again.
Literally 'become rational'. More formal and direct, used when appealing to someone's reason.
感情的にならずに、理性的になってください。
Please be reasonable and don't get emotional.
Means 'calm down'. Often used when someone is upset and you want them to be reasonable.
落ち着いて、話を聞いて。
Be reasonable and listen to what I have to say.
Asking someone to be reasonable in their demands, price, or expectations.
Literally 'don't say unreasonable things'. Used when someone is asking too much.
無理を言わないで。それはできないよ。
Be reasonable. I can't do that.
Means 'think with common sense'. Implies the request should be within normal bounds.
常識的に考えて、その値段は高すぎるよ。
Be reasonable; that price is way too high.
Means 'within a reasonable range'. Often used in negotiations.
妥当な線でお願いします。
Please be reasonable (in your offer).
Telling someone to have realistic expectations, not to expect too much.
Literally 'don't expect too much'. Used when someone's hopes are unrealistic.
期待しすぎないで。完璧な人なんていないよ。
Be reasonable. Nobody's perfect.
Means 'think realistically'. A direct way to ask for reasonable expectations.
現実的に考えて、それは無理だよ。
Be realistic; that's impossible.
There is no single Japanese word that directly translates 'be reasonable' in all contexts. The phrase '合理的であれ' (ごうりてきであれ) is a literal translation but sounds unnatural and overly formal. Use the expressions above based on the situation.