論理
ronri[ɾõ̞n̺ɾʲi]
The English phrase 'logic' is translated into Japanese as 論理 (ronri).
論理 refers to the method of human thought. In formal discussions regarding theories or systems, the term 理路 may be used to emphasize a 'logical path'.
Meaning: method of human thought (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 論理 refers to the internal logic or reasoning of an argument, 理屈 is often used more colloquially to mean 'reasoning' or 'excuses,' sometimes with a negative connotation of being pedantic or making excuses. Use 論理学 specifically for the academic study of logic, whereas 論理 refers to the logic or reasoning itself. Use 理路 to emphasize a 'logical path' in formal discussions.
How do you pronounce it?
ronri
Did you know?
- The 'ri' in 論理 (理) originally depicted a tool for measuring or a pattern in jade, suggesting that 'logic' is fundamentally seen as a 'natural pattern' or 'principle' rather than just an abstract thought process.
- While 論理 is neutral, if you describe someone as having 'too much' 理屈, you are not complimenting their intelligence, but calling them a 'sophist' or someone who makes pointless excuses.
- Japanese speakers often distinguish between 'logical reasoning' and 'common sense' using different terms, whereas in English, 'logic' can sometimes cover both concepts.
Examples in context
- 彼の論理にはついていけない。I can't follow his logic.This sentence shows how to express an inability to follow the logic in 論理.Tatoeba #115903 by tommy__san, translation #1465962 by CK
- トムの論理にはついていけない。I can't follow Tom's logic.Tatoeba #2734205 by tommy_san, translation #2734280 by CK
- とりわけ、論理学には正確な定義が要求される。Above all, logic requires precise definitions.This sentence shows how the academic discipline of logic requires precise definitions using 論理.Tatoeba #199697 by KK_kaku_, translation #36899 by Zifre
- 厳密な論理を適用することで、正確な結論に至ります。By applying rigorous logic, we can reach accurate conclusions.
- 彼の研究は非常に理路が明確であり、説得力があります。His research is very logically structured and persuasive.
- ちょっと頭の整理ができなくて、ロジック的に考えられないんだ。I can't think logically because I can't organize my thoughts at the moment.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
陽葵 is explaining the structure of an essay to 陽太.
- 陽太 Yotaこの文章は、論理が通っていない気がするよ。Kono bunsho wa, ronri ga tootte inai ki ga suru yo.I feel like the logic in this text doesn't follow.
- 陽葵 Himari本当？どこが変だったのかな？Hontou? Doko ga hen datta no kana?Really? I wonder where it was strange?
- 陽太 Yota論理の組み立てが少し強引なんだ。Ronri no kumitate ga sukoshi gouin nanda.The construction of the logic is a bit forced.
- 陽葵 Himariもう少し整理して書き直してみるね。Mou sukoshi seiri shite kakinaoshite miru ne.I will try to organize it and rewrite it a bit more.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “logic” translations and entries 論理, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
