Translation guide
The English word 'plausible' describes something that seems reasonable, believable, or likely to be true. In Japanese, there is no single exact equivalent; the best translation depends on whether you mean 'believable', 'likely', 'reasonable', or 'specious'. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each nuance.
Describing a story, excuse, or claim that seems believable or convincing.
The most direct equivalent for 'plausible' when something sounds believable or convincing on the surface, often with a hint of skepticism. It can be used for excuses, stories, or arguments.
His excuse sounded plausible.
It was a plausible explanation, but I didn't believe it.
Literally 'seems like it could exist/happen'. Used for situations or stories that seem likely or believable. More neutral than もっともらしい.
That's a plausible story.
Means 'has credibility'. More formal and objective. Used for evidence, testimony, or sources.
The testimony is plausible/credible.
Describing a scenario, outcome, or possibility that seems likely to happen or be true.
Means 'possible' or 'could happen'. Often used for plausible scenarios or outcomes. More about possibility than believability.
That scenario is quite plausible.
Means 'conceivable' or 'thinkable'. Used when a possibility is reasonable to consider. Often in the form ～と考えられる.
Means 'has a sense of reality' or 'seems realistic'. Used for plans, proposals, or threats that seem plausible enough to take seriously.
Describing an argument, reasoning, or assumption that makes sense and is logically sound.
Means 'reasonable', 'valid', or 'appropriate'. Used for conclusions, assumptions, or decisions that are logically sound and acceptable.
That's a plausible assumption.
I think his conclusion is plausible.
Literally 'the logic goes through'. Means an argument or story is coherent and makes sense. More colloquial than 妥当.
Means 'reasonable' or 'rational'. Slightly more formal, emphasizing conformity to logic or reason.
The proposal is plausible/reasonable.
Describing something that seems plausible but is actually false or misleading.
Also used for specious arguments. Context often implies skepticism or that the speaker is not fooled.
That sounds plausible, but it's actually wrong.
Means 'deceptive' or 'sham'. Stronger than もっともらしい, explicitly calling something a fake or trick.
Don't be fooled by plausible-sounding but deceptive theories.
もっともらしい focuses on surface believability, often with a nuance of 'sounds good but maybe not true'. あり得る is about objective possibility ('could happen'). 妥当 is about logical validity and appropriateness. Choose based on what aspect of 'plausible' you want to emphasize.
a plausible lie
a plausible outcome
a plausible judgment
Avoid directly translating 'plausible' as プラウシブル (not used) or using 可能な (kanō na, 'possible') for all cases. 可能な is too broad and misses the nuance of believability or reasonableness. Also, 信じられる (shinjirareru, 'believable') can work but is less common than もっともらしい for this concept.
It's plausible that he is the culprit.
That's one plausible cause.
The plan is plausible/realistic.
His explanation is plausible/logical.