(2 entries)
わけ
JLPT:N4
Frequency:
1

A reason, cause, or grounds for something; used when explaining circumstances.

Noun

Examples

遅刻したわけをちゃんと説明してください。

Please properly explain the reason you were late.

それには深い訳があるらしい。

Apparently there is a deep reason for that.

急に来られなくなった訳は仕事が入ったからだ。

The reason he suddenly couldn't come is that work came up.

2

The meaning or sense of a word or sentence; what something signifies or translates to.

Noun

Examples

この英文の正しい訳を教えてください。

Please tell me the correct translation of this English sentence.

彼の言ったことの訳がよく分からなかった。

I couldn't really understand what he meant.

辞書を引いて訳を確認した。

I checked the meaning/translation in the dictionary.

3

Good sense or justification — used when an action or judgment is rational or has reason behind it.

Noun

Examples

あの人には親としての訳がある行動だと思う。

I think that person's action is justified as a parent.

彼の言い分には訳があるから、よく考えたほうがいい。

There is some sense to his argument, so you should think carefully.

無茶なことを言っているようでも、訳があっての発言だ。

Even if it sounds unreasonable, there is a reason behind that remark.

4

Circumstances, the state of affairs, or a particular case; the way things are in a situation.

Noun

Examples

家庭の訳で彼は転校することになった。

Due to family circumstances, he had to transfer schools.

その件は複雑な訳が絡んでいる。

That matter involves complicated circumstances.

訳を説明すれば、皆納得するだろう。

If you explain the circumstances, everyone will probably understand.

5

A (romantic) relationship or love affair (somewhat colloquial/dated usage).

Noun

Examples

二人は訳があって結婚しなかったと噂されている。

There are rumors that the two did not marry because of their relationship.

あの二人の訳は周囲の人に知られている。

Those two's relationship is known among people around them.

Word Relationships

Derivations