論理的
ronriteki
The English word 'logical' is translated into Japanese as 論理的 (ronriteki).
論理的 is a common formal term for logical in Japanese.
Meaning: reasonable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 論理的 is a neutral or positive term for being logical, 理屈っぽい is a negative term used to describe someone who is 'too logical' in an annoying, pedantic or argumentative way.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a plain sentence, you add the copula だ to the end of 論理的 to say 'is logical'. To use this word to modify a noun directly, such as 'logical thinking', you must use the particle な to form 論理的な思考.
How do you pronounce it?
ronriteki
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, being too 論理的 in a personal disagreement can be seen as a lack of empathy or 'reading the air'.
- The suffix 的 (teki) functions similarly to the English '-ical' or '-ic', turning a noun into an adjective. It is a common way to create many Sino-Japanese academic terms.
- The term 論理 (ronri) is composed of two characters: '論' meaning 'argument' or 'discussion' and '理' meaning 'reason' or 'principle'.
Examples in context
- それは 論理的 です。That is logical.
- それって 論理的じゃん ！That's logical, isn't it?
- 彼の議論は 論理的 で、説得力がある。His argument is logical and persuasive.
- 彼の説明はとても論理的だ。Kare no setsumei wa totemo ronriteki da.His explanation is very logical.
- もっと論理的に考える必要がある。Motto ronriteki ni kangaeru hitsuyou ga aru.I need to think more logically.
- それは論理的な結論ですね。Sore wa ronriteki na ketsuron desu ne.That is a logical conclusion.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a project proposal in an office.
- 美咲 Misakiこのプランは論理的だと思いますか？Kono puran wa ronriteki da to omoimasu ka?Do you think this plan is logical?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、非常に筋が通っています。Hai, hijou ni suji ga tootte imasu.Yes, it is very well-reasoned.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さんの意見を聞けて安心しました。Youta-san no iken o kikete anshin shimashita.I am relieved to hear your opinion, Youta.
- 陽太 Yota私も納得できる内容でした。Watashi mo nattoku dekiru naiyou deshita.I found the content convincing as well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 論理的, CC BY-SA 4.0.
