Translation guide
How to express the idea of being logical, reasonable, or rational in Japanese, depending on context.
To say someone thinks or acts in a logical, reasonable way.
The most direct and common way to say someone is logical. Used for people, arguments, or thinking.
彼はとても論理的だ。
He is very logical.
Her way of thinking is logical.
Describes someone who is overly logical or argumentative, often with a negative nuance of being too theoretical or nitpicky.
あの人は理屈っぽいから、話すのが疲れる。
That person is so logical/argumentative, it's tiring to talk to them.
Means rational or reasonable, often emphasizing efficiency and practicality rather than pure logic.
彼の判断はいつも合理的だ。
His decisions are always rational.
Urging someone to think or act more logically.
A common way to say 'think logically'. The て-form makes it a request or suggestion.
もっと論理的に考えてください。
Please think more logically.
Literally 'think calmly', often used when someone is being emotional and you want them to be rational.
冷静に考えてみて。
Try to think about it calmly/logically.
Used negatively to tell someone not to overthink or be too theoretical. 'Don't be so logical' in a critical sense.
理屈で考えないで、感じたままにやって。
Don't overthink it, just do what you feel.
To say that a statement, reasoning, or plan makes sense and is coherent.
Means 'makes sense', 'is consistent', or 'is logical'. Very common for evaluating reasoning.
彼の説明は筋が通っている。
His explanation is logical/makes sense.
Means 'stands to reason', 'is reasonable'. Slightly more formal than 筋が通っている.
その提案は理にかなっている。
That proposal is logical/reasonable.
Can also be used for arguments, but 筋が通っている is more natural in everyday speech.
彼の意見は論理的だ。
His opinion is logical.
Referring to the quality of being logical in the abstract.
The noun form meaning 'logicality' or 'logicalness'. Used in formal or analytical contexts.
彼の主張には論理性が欠けている。
His argument lacks logicality.
Rationality, reasonableness. Often used in economics or decision-making contexts.
合理性を重視する。
To value rationality.
論理的 (ronriteki) emphasizes formal logic and consistency, while 合理的 (gōriteki) emphasizes practical rationality and efficiency. In everyday use, 筋が通っている is often more natural than either.
彼は論理的だが、合理的ではない。
He is logical but not practical.
Directly translating 'be logical' as 論理的であれ is unnatural and overly imperative. Use 論理的に考えて or 筋を通して instead.