訳 means “translation, reason”

わけ · wake

Also: translate, circumstance, case

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading)

わけ

On'yomi (Chinese reading)

ヤク

JLPT N1 · Taught in grade 6 · 11 strokes

The story

Words (言) measured out (尺) one by one: picture a translator weighing each word against another language. 翻訳 is translation, 通訳 an interpreter, and as わけ it is the reason behind something, as in 言い訳, an excuse.

Used in 翻訳 (hon'yaku, translation), 通訳 (tsuuyaku, interpreter), and 言い訳 (iiwake, excuse)

More from Speak & Explain

• 釈 explain
• 喚 call out
• 陳 display
• 尋 ask
• 啓 open
• 諭 admonish
• 挨 push close
• 拶 press close
• 詮 scrutinize
• 謝 apologize

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Readings from KANJIDIC2, © EDRDG, CC BY-SA.