Translation guide
How to express 'be sensible' in Japanese, covering practical wisdom, common sense, and reasonable behavior.
Telling someone to act with practical wisdom or common sense, often in everyday situations.
A direct and natural way to say 'act sensibly' or 'use common sense'. Suitable for advice or mild scolding.
常識的に行動してください。
Please act sensibly.
Means 'to have discretion' or 'to be sensible'. Often used to describe a person's character rather than as a direct command.
彼は分別がある人だ。
He is a sensible person.
Literally 'to possess good sense'. Implies sound judgment and moral sensibility.
良識を持って行動すべきだ。
You should act with good sense.
Advising moderation, avoiding extremes, or being level-headed.
Emphasizes acting with discretion and good judgment, often in situations requiring restraint.
分別のある行動をしなさい。
Behave sensibly.
Means 'moderate' or 'sensible' in the sense of not being extreme. Often used in political or social contexts.
穏健な意見を述べた。
He expressed a sensible opinion.
Focusing on practical, realistic approaches rather than idealistic or emotional ones.
Means 'to think realistically'. Used when urging someone to be practical.
もっと現実的に考えたほうがいいよ。
You should be more sensible (think more realistically).
Means 'solid', 'sound', or 'prudent'. Often used for financial or career decisions.
堅実な計画を立てよう。
Let's make a sensible plan.
Showing wisdom and careful judgment, often in serious matters.
The English phrase 'be sensible' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating word-for-word (e.g., 敏感である 'be sensitive') would be incorrect. Choose the expression based on the specific nuance you want to convey.
分別 (funbetsu) implies personal discretion and good judgment, while 常識 (joushiki) refers to socially accepted common sense. Use 分別 for individual prudence and 常識 for societal norms.
彼女は思慮深い人です。
She is a sensible person.