理にかなう

• Reading: りにかなう
• Romaji: ri ni kanau
• Kanji breakdown: 理 (ri) — reason, logic, principle
• Pronunciation: /ɾi.ni.ka.na.ɯ/

Meaning

To make sense; to be reasonable; to be logical. Describes something that accords with reason or logic.

A compound expression combining 理 (reason/logic) with かなう (to accord with/fulfil). Group 1 (godan) conjugation via かなう. Used in intellectual discussions, debates, and evaluations. Often appears as 理にかなった (reasonable, logical) modifying nouns.

Examples

1. その提案は理にかなっているので、採用しよう。 That proposal makes sense, so let's go with it.
2. 理にかなった説明ができなければ、誰も納得しない。 If you can't give a logical explanation, no one will be convinced.
3. 彼女の行動は一見変だが、理にかなっている。 Her behavior seems strange at first glance, but it's perfectly logical.

Usage Guide

Context: discussion, evaluation, logic

Tone: intellectual

Origin & History

Combines 理 (reason, principle — from Chinese philosophy) with かなう (to match, satisfy). Together: 'to match with reason.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated