弁明

• Reading: べんめい
• Romaji: benmei
• Kanji breakdown: 弁 (ben) — argue, distinguish, speak; 明 (mei) — clear, bright, clarify
• Pronunciation: /ben.meː/

Meaning

Explanation; justification; defence; excuse. An attempt to clarify one's actions or position, often in response to criticism or accusation.

A suru-verb noun (弁明する) used when defending or explaining one's conduct in the face of accusations, misunderstandings, or criticism. Slightly more formal than 言い訳 (excuse), 弁明 can carry both genuine explanation and self-justification. Common in political, legal, and corporate contexts: 公開弁明 (public statement of defence), 弁明の機会 (opportunity to explain oneself).

Examples

1. 議員は記者会見で疑惑についての弁明を行ったが、説得力に欠けた。 The politician offered a justification for the allegations at a press conference, but it lacked persuasiveness.
2. 上司にミスを報告した後、弁明よりも改善策を先に提案するよう努めた。 After reporting the mistake to my boss, I made an effort to propose solutions before making excuses.
3. 弁明の機会も与えられないまま処分を受けたことに、彼は強く抗議した。 He strongly protested being punished without even being given a chance to defend himself.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, law, workplace, press conferences

Tone: defensive

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound. 弁 means to argue or distinguish, 明 means to clarify or make clear — together conveying an attempt to elucidate and defend one's position through argument.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal