Translation guide
The English word 'justification' can refer to the act of justifying, a reason given, or a state of being justified. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese, from formal explanations to casual excuses.
Expressing the reason, basis, or grounds that make an action acceptable or right.
The most direct translation for 'justification' as a noun. Often used in formal or logical contexts to mean making something seem right or acceptable.
彼の行動の正当化は難しい。
Justification of his actions is difficult.
その政策の正当化として、経済成長が挙げられた。
Economic growth was cited as justification for the policy.
General word for 'reason'. Less formal than 正当化 and can be used in everyday situations.
遅刻の理由を説明してください。
Please explain the reason for your lateness.
Means 'basis' or 'grounds'. Used when justification is based on evidence or logic.
その主張には十分な根拠がない。
There is no sufficient justification for that claim.
Often means 'excuse' rather than a solid justification. Can imply a weak or self-serving reason.
Can sound like you are making excuses rather than giving a valid justification.
それはただの言い訳だ。
That's just an excuse.
The process of showing something to be right or reasonable.
Verb phrase meaning 'to justify something'. Use with a direct object.
彼は自分の行動を正当化しようとした。
He tried to justify his actions.
戦争を正当化することはできない。
War cannot be justified.
To explain or defend oneself, often in a formal setting. Closer to 'vindication' or 'explanation'.
彼は自分の無実を弁明した。
He justified his innocence. (He explained his innocence.)
A more literary or religious term for giving an account or justification.
神の前で自分の行いの言い開きをする。
To give an account of one's deeds before God.
The condition of being declared righteous or free from guilt, often in religious contexts.
Theological term for 'justification' in Christian doctrine. Specifically refers to being declared righteous by God.
信仰による義認。
Justification by faith.
Passive form meaning 'to be justified' or 'to be declared righteous'. Used in biblical contexts.
人は信仰によって義とされる。
A person is justified by faith.
Alignment of text to both margins.
Standard term for text justification in word processing and typography.
段落を両端揃えに設定する。
Set the paragraph to justified alignment.
Loanword from English, used in DTP and design contexts.
このテキストはジャスティフィケーションが必要だ。
This text needs justification.
正当化 (seitōka) is a formal, logical justification. 理由 (riyū) is a neutral reason. 言い訳 (iiwake) often carries a negative nuance of making excuses. Choose based on formality and whether you want to sound defensive.
彼は遅刻の理由を説明したが、それは単なる言い訳に聞こえた。
He explained the reason for being late, but it sounded like a mere excuse.
In everyday conversation, directly translating 'justification' as 正当化 can sound overly formal or stiff. Often, using 理由 or rephrasing with a verb like 説明する (to explain) is more natural.
そのような行動を正当化する理由はない。
There is no justification for such behavior.
彼はその決定の正当化を求めた。
He demanded a justification for the decision.