つじつまが合う

• Reading: つじつまがあう
• Romaji: tsujitsuma ga au
• Kanji breakdown: 合 (gō/a) — fit, match, suit
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.dʑi.tsɯ.ma.ɡa.a.ɯ/

Meaning

To be consistent; to be coherent; to add up logically.

A set expression combining つじつま (consistency, coherence) with 合う (to match, to fit). Most frequently used in the negative form つじつまが合わない to point out contradictions or inconsistencies in someone's story, explanation, or argument. Common in detective stories, debates, and everyday conversation when evaluating logic.

Examples

1. 彼の説明はどうもつじつまが合わない。 His explanation just doesn't add up.
2. 証拠を並べてみると、すべてつじつまが合った。 When I laid out all the evidence, everything was consistent.
3. つじつまが合うように話を作るのは難しい。 It's hard to construct a story that holds together logically.

Usage Guide

Context: logic, investigation, conversation

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

つじつま originally comes from 辻褄, where 辻 means crossroads and 褄 means the edge of a kimono. Both refer to points where things must align properly — seams meeting at edges, roads meeting at intersections.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal