勘弁

• Reading: かんべん
• Romaji: kanben
• Kanji breakdown: 勘 (kan) — intuition, perception; 弁 (ben) — speech, management
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɴ.beɴ/

Meaning

Pardon; forgiveness; forbearance; giving someone a break.

A noun and する verb used when asking for or granting forgiveness. The common expression 勘弁してください means 'please forgive me' or 'give me a break.' Can express genuine apology or exasperation depending on context and tone.

Examples

1. 今回だけは勘弁してください。 Please let it go just this once.
2. もう遅刻は勘弁してほしい。 I wish they'd give me a break about being late.
3. 彼のいたずらにはもう勘弁できない。 I'm completely done putting up with his pranks.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, apologies, complaints

Tone: emotional

Origin & History

Compound of 勘 (intuition, sense) + 弁 (distinguish, manage). Originally meant to use good judgment in granting leniency or forgiveness.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal