道理

• Reading: どうり
• Romaji: douri
• Kanji breakdown: 道 (dou) — way, path, road; 理 (ri) — reason, logic, principle
• Pronunciation: /doː.ɾi/

Meaning

Reason; logic or natural sense that makes something understandable or justifiable.

A noun meaning reason, logic, or the natural order of things. The expression 道理で (no wonder / that explains it) is extremely common in conversation — used when you suddenly understand the reason for something. 道理に合う means 'to be reasonable' and 道理に合わない means 'to be unreasonable.' Carries a nuance of natural rightness or the way things should be.

Examples

1. 道理で今日は電車が混んでいると思ったら祝日だった。 No wonder the trains were crowded today — it turned out to be a national holiday.
2. いくら怒っても道理に合わないことは通らない。 No matter how angry you get, something unreasonable won't fly.
3. 子供にも道理を説明すればわかってくれる。 If you explain the reasoning to children, they will understand.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, philosophy, argumentation, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 道 (dou, way/path) + 理 (ri, reason/logic/principle). Literally 'the reason of the way,' combining the concept of a natural path with underlying logical principles.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal