When you hear わけ (wake), think of it as explaining 'the reason why' or 'the meaning behind' something. It helps you understand the conclusion or the logical outcome of a situation.
For example, if someone says, 'I'm tired, wake you are too,' they're saying, 'I'm tired, and that's why you are too.'
It's used to show a natural consequence or an understandable state of affairs.
When you hear わけ (wake), think about the "reason" or "meaning" behind something. It helps explain why something is the way it is.
For example, if you say "寒いわけだ (samui wake da)," it means "No wonder it's cold!" or "That's why it's cold." You're connecting a reason to a situation.
It's often used to express a logical conclusion based on what you already know or observe.
So, わけ helps you understand the underlying explanation for things.
§ What is わけ (wake)?
The Japanese word わけ (wake) is a versatile noun that can be a bit tricky for learners. At its core, it relates to the 'reason,' 'conclusion,' or 'meaning' behind something. It's used to explain a situation, a cause, or a logical outcome. Think of it as explaining 'theわけ' of why things are the way they are.
- Japanese Word
- わけ (wake)
- Definition
- Reason, conclusion, meaning; explains a situation or cause.
- CEFR Level
- B1
§ Basic Usage of わけ
You'll often see わけ used in common patterns. Here are some of the most frequent ones:
- ～わけがない (wake ga nai): This means 'there's no way that...' or 'it's impossible that...'. It expresses strong denial or impossibility.
- ～というわけではない (to iu wake dewa nai): This translates to 'it doesn't mean that...' or 'it's not necessarily that...'. It's used to deny a specific interpretation or assumption.
- ～わけだ (wake da): This can mean 'that's why,' 'it means that,' or 'it turns out that.' It's used to express a logical conclusion or understanding based on previous information.
- ～というわけにはいかない (to iu wake niwa ikanai): This means 'it won't do to...' or 'it's not possible to...'. It expresses that something cannot or should not be done.
§ Examples in Context
そんなことを言うわけがない。
There's no way (he/she) would say such a thing.
日本語が話せるからといって、日本文化を全て理解しているというわけではない。
Just because I can speak Japanese doesn't mean I understand all of Japanese culture.
彼は病気なので、来られないわけだ。
He's sick, so that's why he can't come.
テストがあるからといって、全く勉強しないというわけにはいかない。
Even though there's a test, I can't not study at all.
§ わけ vs. 理由 (riyuu) vs. 原因 (gen'in)
These three words can all relate to 'reason,' but they have different nuances. Understanding these differences is key to using them correctly.
- 理由 (riyuu)
- This is the most general word for 'reason' or 'cause.' It's often used when asking or stating a straightforward reason for an action or event. It's neutral and can apply to almost any situation where you're explaining 'why.' You use it when you're looking for the specific justification or motive behind something.
遅刻した理由は何ですか？
What is the reason you were late?
- 原因 (gen'in)
- This specifically refers to the 'cause' or 'origin' of something, especially when talking about negative outcomes, problems, or phenomena. Think of it as the root cause that led to a particular effect. It often has a more formal or scientific feel to it.
事故の原因を調べています。
We are investigating the cause of the accident.
- わけ (wake)
- While 理由 and 原因 are about direct causes, わけ often implies a more logical, natural, or indirect reason, conclusion, or explanation. It clarifies a situation or the underlying circumstances. It's about making sense of something or explaining why a certain state of affairs exists. It often comes after a clause explaining the premise.
雨が降っているから、洗濯物が乾かないわけだ。
It's raining, so that's why the laundry won't dry. (Logical conclusion)
§ When to Choose わけ
Use わけ when you want to:
- Explain a logical consequence or natural outcome.
- State the underlying reason or circumstances for a situation.
- Deny a specific interpretation or possibility (e.g., ～わけではない, ～わけがない).
- Express that something cannot or should not happen (e.g., ～わけにはいかない).
In summary, while 理由 and 原因 focus on the direct cause, わけ is about the broader explanation, conclusion, or logical implications of a situation. It helps to clarify the 'sense' or 'meaning' behind things.
发音指南
- Often mispronounced with a long 'e' sound at the end, but it's a short 'e'.
按水平分级的例句
日本語を勉強するわけ。
The reason why I study Japanese.
これはどういうわけですか。
What's the reason for this?
遅れたわけを話してください。
Please tell me the reason you were late.
彼が来ないわけがない。
There's no way he won't come.
寒いわけだ。
No wonder it's cold.
それで、どういうわけ？
So, what's the reason?
この本を読むわけは面白い。
The reason for reading this book is interesting.
彼女が怒っているわけがわかった。
I understood why she was angry.
彼が怒るわけがありません。
There's no reason for him to be angry.
そんなこと、するわけがない。
There's no way I'd do something like that.
彼が遅れたわけは、電車が止まったからです。
The reason he was late is that the train stopped.
彼女が泣いているわけが分かりません。
I don't understand why she's crying.
これは私が言いたかったわけではない。
This isn't what I meant to say.
彼が試験に合格したわけは、たくさん勉強したからです。
The reason he passed the exam is that he studied a lot.
お金がないわけじゃないけど、今は買いたくない。
It's not that I don't have money, but I don't want to buy it now.
それがどういうわけか、彼は来なかった。
For some reason, he didn't come.
彼が怒るのもわけない、約束を破ったんだから。
It's no wonder he's angry, since I broke the promise.
A common phrase showing something is understandable.
この複雑な問題を解決するには、それなりのわけがあるはずだ。
There must be a proper reason to solve this complex problem.
Indicates a 'proper' or 'specific' reason.
彼女が突然仕事を辞めたわけが、未だに分からない。
I still don't understand the reason why she suddenly quit her job.
Used to inquire about the reason for something.
そんなことをするわけにはいかない。倫理的に間違っている。
I can't possibly do such a thing. It's ethically wrong.
Strongly states that something cannot be done due to a reason or principle.
彼が毎日忙しいわけだ。いくつものプロジェクトを抱えているからね。
That's why he's busy every day. He has multiple projects.
Explains the reason or background for a situation.
私がここにいるわけは、新しい技術を学ぶためだ。
The reason I'm here is to learn new technology.
Clearly states the purpose or reason for one's presence/action.
あの二人が結婚するわけがない。全く合わないから。
There's no way those two will get married. They don't suit each other at all.
Strongly denies the possibility of something happening.
彼がそんなに疲れているわけは、徹夜で準備したからだ。
The reason he's so tired is because he prepared all night.
Explains the cause of a state or condition.
容易混淆的词
While both mean 'reason,' 'riyuu' is more about a direct cause or justification. 'Wake' often implies a natural or logical consequence or an underlying state of affairs.
Both can mean 'meaning,' but 'imi' typically refers to the definition of a word or the intention behind an action. 'Wake' is more about the logical implication or the 'gist' of a situation.
'Gen'in' strictly means 'cause' (often for negative things or problems). 'Wake' is broader, encompassing reasons, conclusions, and natural implications without necessarily implying a problem.
容易混淆
Often confused with similar-sounding words or words with overlapping meanings like 'riyuu' (理由) or 'imi' (意味). Its usage can be subtle, implying a natural consequence or underlying reason rather than a direct cause.
While 'riyuu' is a direct 'reason' and 'imi' is 'meaning,' 'wake' often signifies the 'reason why something is naturally the case' or 'the conclusion that naturally follows.' It’s about the logical flow or implication.
彼が怒るのも当然な**わけ**だ。 (Kare ga okoru no mo touzen na **wake** da.) *It's natural that he's angry. (The **reason/conclusion** for his anger is natural.)*
Homophone of 訳 (wake), but with a different kanji and meaning. The kanji 別 often implies separation or distinction.
This 'wake' comes from the verb 分ける (wakeru), meaning 'to divide' or 'to separate.' It's used when talking about distinctions, categories, or divisions.
この二つの品種の**別け**は難しい。 (Kono futatsu no hinshu no **wake** wa muzukashii.) *The **distinction** between these two varieties is difficult.*
Students might struggle with the negative construction 'wake ga nai,' which means 'there's no way' or 'it's impossible,' rather than just 'no reason.'
This isn't literally 'there is no reason.' It's a strong expression of impossibility or unlikelihood, implying that given the circumstances, something simply cannot be true.
そんなことがある**わけがない**。 (Sonna koto ga aru **wake ga nai**.) *There's **no way** such a thing could happen.*
Another idiomatic negative expression with 'wake.' Learners might try to translate it literally, leading to confusion.
This phrase means 'cannot (do something)' or 'it's not possible/appropriate to (do something),' often due to moral, social, or practical constraints.
約束を破る**わけにはいかない**。 (Yakusoku o yaburu **wake ni wa ikanai**.) *I **cannot break** my promise. (It's not appropriate to break my promise.)*
This phrase acts as a concluding remark, summarizing or explaining something, but its nuanced meaning can be tricky.
It means 'that's why,' 'this is how it is,' or 'it means that.' It's used to draw a conclusion or provide an explanation based on previous statements.
だから、彼は忙しい**というわけだ**。 (Dakara, kare wa isogashii **to iu wake da**.) *So, **that's why** he's busy. (It means he's busy.)*
小贴士
Basic Meaning of 'わけ'
Understand that 'わけ' primarily conveys a reason, a conclusion, or the meaning behind something. It's often used to explain why something is the way it is.
Connects to Explanations
'わけ' frequently appears in sentence structures that provide an explanation or a justification. Think of it as linking a statement to its underlying cause or logic.
Common Phrases with 'わけ'
Learn common phrases like '〜というわけではない' (it's not that...), '〜わけがない' (there's no way...), and '〜わけにはいかない' (cannot bring oneself to...). These are fixed expressions.
'わけ' as 'Reason'
When used as 'reason', it often follows a clause that states the situation or premise. For example, 「忙しいわけです。」 (That's why I'm busy.)
'わけ' as 'Conclusion'
It can indicate a conclusion drawn from a previous statement or observation. 「これは難しいわけだ。」 (This means it's difficult.)
'わけ' and 'こと'
While both can mean 'thing' or 'fact', 'わけ' leans more towards the logical aspect or the reasoning, whereas 'こと' is often about a general matter or action.
Recognizing the Nuance
Pay attention to the context. The exact nuance of 'わけ' (reason, conclusion, meaning, or 'it's not that...') often depends on the surrounding words and the overall sentence structure.
Practice with Example Sentences
Read and create your own sentences using 'わけ' in different contexts. This helps solidify your understanding of its various applications and meanings.
Connecting to Verbs and Adjectives
'わけ' often follows verbs (plain form), い-adjectives (plain form), な-adjectives (with な), and nouns (with の). Understand these grammatical connections.
Don't Overthink 'わけ'
While 'わけ' has multiple uses, try not to get bogged down by every single possibility initially. Focus on mastering its most common functions first, and the rest will come with exposure.
常见问题
10 个问题Both わけ and 理由 (riyuu) mean 'reason'. However, わけ often refers to the natural consequence or logical conclusion of something, or the underlying circumstances. 理由 is more about the speaker's conscious justification or explanation for an action or situation.
Example with わけ: 遅刻したわけは電車が遅れたからです。 (The reason I was late is that the train was delayed.) - This is a natural consequence.
Example with 理由: 宿題をしなかった理由は、体調が悪かったからです。 (The reason I didn't do my homework was that I wasn't feeling well.) - This is a personal justification.
わけがない (wake ga nai) means 'there's no way that...' or 'it's impossible that...'. It expresses strong denial or certainty that something is not true.
Example: 彼がそんな嘘をつくわけがない。 (There's no way he would tell such a lie.)
わけにはいかない (wake ni wa ikanai) means 'cannot do (for a certain reason)' or 'it's not possible to do (even if I want to)'. It implies that there's a social, moral, or practical obligation preventing an action.
Example: 忙しいからといって、仕事を休むわけにはいかない。 (Even though I'm busy, I can't take time off work.)
わけではない (wake de wa nai) means 'it doesn't mean that...' or 'it's not necessarily the case that...'. It's used to deny a part of a statement or to clarify that a general statement isn't entirely true.
Example: 嫌いなわけではないが、あまり食べない。 (It's not that I hate it, but I don't eat it much.)
Yes, わけ can be used by itself, often as a question or an exclamation, to ask or express 'what's the reason/meaning?' or 'that's the way it is.'
Example: そういうわけか。 (Oh, so that's how it is.) / どういうわけ？ (What's the reason?)
To connect わけ to a verb, use the plain form. For i-adjectives, use the plain form. For na-adjectives, use the stem + な. For nouns, use the noun + の.
Examples:
Verb: 食べるわけ (the reason for eating)
I-adjective: 暑いわけ (the reason it's hot)
Na-adjective: 静かなわけ (the reason it's quiet)
Noun: 学生のわけ (the reason for being a student)
わけ itself is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends on the ending of the sentence or the overall conversational style.
Example (informal): なるほど、そういうわけか！ (I see, so that's why!)
Example (formal): そのようなわけですので、ご理解いただけますと幸いです。 (Since that is the situation, your understanding would be appreciated.)
わけにはいかない (wake ni wa ikanai) is the correct and common phrase, meaning 'cannot do (for a certain reason)'. わけにはいけない (wake ni wa ikenai) is not a standard or grammatically correct phrase in this context. Always use わけにはいかない.
Example: 忙しいからといって、仕事を休むわけにはいかない。 (Even though I'm busy, I can't take time off work.)
While わけ often implies a logical or natural reason, it can also refer to the circumstances or the underlying situation that leads to a conclusion or understanding. It's about explaining 'how things are' or 'why things are as they are'.
Example: 彼女が怒っているわけがわかった。 (I understood why she was angry.) - This refers to the underlying cause of her anger.
Yes, especially in phrases like わけがない (wake ga nai), you are expressing a strong opinion of disbelief or impossibility. It conveys a strong sense of 'it absolutely cannot be the case'.
Example: そんな簡単な問題が解けないわけがない。 (There's no way I can't solve such an easy problem.)
自我测试 30 个问题
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence: 彼は日本語を話せる___、日本に行ったことがあります。
「わけです」 is used to explain a reason or conclusion. Here, it explains the reason why he can speak Japanese (he has been to Japan).
Select the correct option: 忙しい___、パーティーに行けません。
「わけにはいかない」 means 'cannot possibly' or 'it is not possible to'. Here, it means it's not possible to go to the party because of being busy.
Which sentence correctly uses 「わけ」?
This sentence correctly uses 「わけです」 to explain that she is a student, therefore she goes to school every day.
「雨が降るわけがない」 means 'It's impossible for it to rain.'
「わけがない」 expresses that something is impossible or highly unlikely.
「彼が来ないわけではない」 means 'He will not come.'
「〜わけではない」 means 'it's not that...' or 'it doesn't necessarily mean...'. So, '彼が来ないわけではない' means 'it's not that he won't come'.
When you say 「それは簡単なわけです」, you are explaining why something is simple.
「わけです」 is used to explain a reason or conclusion, so in this case, you are explaining why it is simple.
この映画が人気がある___が分かります。
「わけ」は、状況や原因を説明する際に使われます。ここでは「この映画が人気がある理由」という意味になります。
彼が遅れたのは、電車が止まった___だ。
「わけ」は、ある状況に対する理由や原因を説明します。ここでは、電車が止まったことが彼が遅れた理由である、という結論を示しています。
日本語が話せる___がないので、通訳を頼みました。
「わけがない」で「〜する理由がない、〜であるはずがない」という意味になります。ここでは「日本語が話せる理由がない」という状況を説明しています。
「わけ」は「理由」という意味で使われることが多い。
「わけ」は、ある事柄の理由や根拠を示す際によく使われます。
「わけがない」は、「〜するべきではない」という意味で使われる。
「わけがない」は「〜であるはずがない」「〜する理由がない」という意味で、否定的な推測や当然の否定を表します。
「〜というわけだ」は、前の文の内容を要約したり、結論を述べたりする時に使える。
「〜というわけだ」は、前の文脈から導かれる結論や、説明のまとめとして使われる表現です。
Choose the best Japanese phrase to complete the sentence: 彼はいつも忙しい。だから、会議に出席できない___。
The sentence indicates a logical conclusion based on the fact that 'he is always busy.' 'わけである' (wake de aru) is used to state a logical reason or conclusion. The other options express impossibility or obligation.
Which option correctly uses 'わけ' to express a natural consequence? 疲れている___、早く寝たい。
'疲れているわけだから' (tsukareteiru wake dakara) means 'since I am tired, naturally...' It expresses a natural consequence or reason. The other options do not fit the context of a natural consequence.
Select the most appropriate phrase using 'わけ' to convey 'it's not that I don't want to go, but...'. 行きたくない___、時間がないんだ。
'行きたくないわけではないが' (ikitakunai wake dewa nai ga) directly translates to 'it's not that I don't want to go, but...' and is used to deny a common assumption while providing the real reason. The other options don't convey this nuance.
The phrase 'そんなことはないわけだ' means 'that's not the reason.'
'そんなことはないわけだ' (sonna koto wa nai wake da) implies that the stated reason or situation is incorrect or not the case. It means 'that's not the reason' or 'that's not how it is.'
If someone says '無理なわけがない', they mean 'it's impossible'.
'無理なわけがない' (muri na wake ga nai) means 'it's impossible that it's impossible' or 'it's certainly not impossible'. It expresses strong denial of impossibility, meaning it is indeed possible.
'彼は来ないわけがない' indicates that there is no possibility of him coming.
'彼は来ないわけがない' (kare wa konai wake ga nai) means 'it's impossible that he won't come' or 'he must come'. It indicates certainty of his arrival, not the absence of possibility.
彼がそんなことをする___がない。
This sentence expresses that there is no reason or possibility for him to do such a thing. 'わけ' is used here to convey the idea of 'no reason/no way'.
彼女が怒るのも当然の___だ。
Here, 'わけ' means 'it's natural that' or 'it makes sense that'. It indicates that her anger is understandable.
これは複雑な___があって、一言では説明できない。
In this context, 'わけ' refers to a complex reason or circumstance. It implies that there's a backstory or explanation.
そんなに急ぐ___はないよ。
'わけはない' means 'there's no need to' or 'it's not necessary to'. It conveys that there's no particular reason to hurry.
彼が試験に合格したのは、一生懸命勉強した___だ。
This sentence uses 'わけ' to explain the reason or consequence of his hard study. It means 'it's because he studied hard'.
この部屋が寒い___がない。暖房がついているから。
'わけがない' means 'there's no way' or 'it's impossible'. Given that the heater is on, it's impossible for the room to be cold.
彼が遅れたのは、電車が事故で止まった___だ。
「わけ」は、状況や原因を説明する際に使われます。ここでは、電車が止まったことが彼が遅れた原因であることを示しています。
そんなに急いでいる___ない。まだ時間があるから。
「わけがない」は、「～のはずがない」「～ということはない」といった否定的な意味を表します。ここでは、急ぐ必要がないという状況を説明しています。
この料理は辛い___ではない。誰でも食べられる。
「わけではない」は、「～というわけではない」「～とは限らない」といった部分的な否定を表します。ここでは、辛いという断定ではないことを示しています。
日本語が話せる___、通訳なしで大丈夫です。
「わけだから」は、「～という理由で当然～だ」という意味で、当然の結論を導き出します。ここでは、日本語が話せるという理由で通訳が不要であることを示しています。
毎日運動しているのだから、健康な___だ。
「わけだ」は、当然の結論や理由を述べる際に使われます。ここでは、毎日運動しているという事実から、健康であるという当然の結論を導いています。
こんなに美味しい料理が食べられるなんて、幸せな___だ。
「わけだ」は、当然の結論や理由を述べる際に使われます。ここでは、美味しい料理が食べられることに対する、当然の感情（幸せ）を表しています。
/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Meaning of 'わけ'
Understand that 'わけ' primarily conveys a reason, a conclusion, or the meaning behind something. It's often used to explain why something is the way it is.
Connects to Explanations
'わけ' frequently appears in sentence structures that provide an explanation or a justification. Think of it as linking a statement to its underlying cause or logic.
Common Phrases with 'わけ'
Learn common phrases like '〜というわけではない' (it's not that...), '〜わけがない' (there's no way...), and '〜わけにはいかない' (cannot bring oneself to...). These are fixed expressions.
'わけ' as 'Reason'
When used as 'reason', it often follows a clause that states the situation or premise. For example, 「忙しいわけです。」 (That's why I'm busy.)
例句
彼は忙しいわけだ。
相关内容
这个词在其他语言中
更多emotions词汇
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
