合理的

• Reading: ごうりてき
• Romaji: gouriteki
• Kanji breakdown: 合 (gou) — fit, match; 理 (ri) — logic, reason; 的 (teki) — -like, -al
• Pronunciation: /goː.ɾi.te.ki/

Meaning

Rational; reasonable; logical. Describes something based on sound reasoning or efficiency.

A na-adjective ending in 的 (teki) that describes thinking, behaviour, or systems grounded in logic: 合理的な判断 (a rational judgment), 合理的に考える (to think rationally). Valued in business and academic contexts. The opposite is 非合理的 (illogical). Different from 論理的 which focuses on logical structure rather than practical reasonableness.

Examples

1. 彼女はいつも合理的な判断をする。 She always makes rational judgments.
2. もっと合理的な方法があるはずだ。 There must be a more efficient method.
3. 感情ではなく合理的に考えるべきだ。 You should think rationally, not emotionally.

Usage Guide

Context: business, academic, philosophy

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 合理 (gouri, reason/rationality — from 合 'fit' + 理 'logic') and 的 (teki, -like/-al). Together, 'having the quality of fitting logic.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal