弁べん明めい口く調ちょう

noun

apologetic tone; defensive tone of voice

Describes a manner of speaking that sounds like one is making excuses or justifying oneself, often with a defensive or apologetic edge.

• 彼かれは遅ち刻こくの理り由ゆうを弁べん明めい口く調ちょうで話はなした。

  He explained the reason for his lateness in an apologetic tone.

• 上じょう司しに注ちゅう意いされて、弁べん明めい口く調ちょうで返へん事じをしてしまった。

  When my boss pointed it out, I ended up replying in a defensive tone.