Translation guide
The English word "pleading" can refer to begging earnestly, making a legal statement, or describing a tone of desperate appeal. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
He pleaded for help.
To petition or supplicate, often used in formal or legal contexts but also for earnest personal appeals.
She pleaded for her life.
Literally 'to ask desperately', a common way to describe pleading in everyday situations.
He pleaded desperately for another chance.
A colloquial phrase meaning 'I'm begging you' or 'please', used to add emotional weight to a request.
Please, I'm begging you, don't go.
To state a case in a court of law, such as pleading guilty or not guilty
How do you plead? · He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge.
Describing a voice, look, or manner that shows someone is pleading
a pleading tone · pleading eyes
English often uses 'pleading' as an adjective (pleading look, pleading voice). In Japanese, you usually need a phrase like 懇願するような (as if pleading) rather than a single adjective.
a pleading tone
Both mean earnest appeal, but 嘆願 is often used for petitions or formal requests (e.g., to authorities), while 懇願 is more personal and emotional.
He pleaded guilty to all charges.
The defendant pleaded not guilty.
He asked for help in a pleading voice.