Translation guide
The English word 'exception' can be expressed in Japanese through nouns, verbs, and set phrases. The most common equivalent is 例外 (reigai), but depending on context, other expressions like 除外 (jogai) or phrases like 例外として (reigai to shite) are used. This guide covers how to talk about exceptions, exclusions, and the act of making exceptions.
Referring to something or someone that is not included in a general rule or statement.
The most common and direct translation for 'exception'. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
例外はありません。
There are no exceptions.
この規則には例外がある。
There is an exception to this rule.
Means 'as an exception'. Used to indicate that something is being treated exceptionally.
例外として、彼だけは参加を許された。
As an exception, only he was allowed to participate.
Adverbial form meaning 'exceptionally' or 'as an exception'. Often used in formal contexts.
例外的に、今回だけは許します。
Exceptionally, I'll forgive you just this once.
Indicating that someone or something is deliberately left out or not included.
Means 'exclusion' or 'exception' in the sense of removing something from consideration. Often used in rules, lists, or calculations.
彼はメンバーから除外された。
He was excluded from the members.
このデータは分析から除外してください。
Please exclude this data from the analysis.
Verb meaning 'to exclude' or 'to remove'. Used in phrases like ～を除いて (except for ~).
The act of treating someone or something as an exception, often as a special favor.
Literally 'to recognize an exception'. Used when officially allowing an exception.
上司は今回だけ例外を認めてくれた。
My boss made an exception just this once.
Means 'to give special treatment'. Implies making an exception for someone, often with a nuance of favoritism.
彼だけ特別扱いするのは不公平だ。
It's unfair to make an exception only for him.
Emphasizing that there are no exceptions; everyone or everything is included.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'without exception'. Commonly used in formal announcements.
例外なく、全員が参加しなければならない。
Everyone must participate without exception.
Means 'every single person' or 'without exception'. More emphatic and slightly literary.
一人残らず賛成した。
Everyone agreed without exception.
Stating that something does not follow the usual pattern or rule.
Pattern meaning '~ is an exception'. Replace ～ with the subject.
この場合だけは例外だ。
Only this case is an exception.
Means 'an exception among exceptions', i.e., a very rare exception. Used for emphasis.
それは例外中の例外だ。
That's an exception among exceptions.
例外 (reigai) is a general exception, while 除外 (jogai) emphasizes the act of exclusion or removal. Use 除外 when something is deliberately left out from a group or list.
The English phrase 'make an exception' is not directly translated as 例外を作る (reigai o tsukuru). Instead, use 例外を認める (reigai o mitomeru) or 特別扱いする (tokubetsu atsukai suru) depending on context.
Everyone agreed except for him.