遁辞
とんじ · tonji
Excuse, evasive answer, subterfuge
Other ways to say “excuse” in Japanese →
high first, then falls · what is pitch accent?
How it’s used
Used in formal or literary contexts to describe a clever but evasive excuse, often in political or intellectual discussions.
Commonly confused with 'iiwake' (言い訳), which is a more casual, everyday excuse.
Example sentences
彼の答えは遁辞に過ぎない。
His answer is nothing but an evasive excuse.
Nihoner
遁辞を使わずに正直に話してほしい。
I want you to speak honestly without using subterfuge.
Nihoner
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Questions
What does 遁辞 mean?
Excuse, evasive answer, subterfuge.
How do you pronounce 遁辞?
とんじ (tonji). Pitch accent: atamadaka — high first, then falls. Press Listen above to hear it.
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