Translation guide
The English word "pleading" can refer to begging earnestly, making a legal statement, or describing a tone of desperate appeal. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To ask for something in a desperate or emotional way
He was pleading with her to stay. · She gave him a pleading look.
A formal verb meaning to entreat or implore, often used in serious requests.
彼は助けを懇願した。
He pleaded for help.
To petition or supplicate, often used in formal or legal contexts but also for earnest personal appeals.
To state a case in a court of law, such as pleading guilty or not guilty
How do you plead? · He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge.
The formal legal phrase for entering a plea (guilty/not guilty) in court.
被告人は罪状認否で無罪を主張した。
The defendant pleaded not guilty at the arraignment.
Describing a voice, look, or manner that shows someone is pleading
a pleading tone · pleading eyes
Attributive form meaning 'pleading' (e.g., a pleading look).
彼女は懇願するような目で私を見た。
She looked at me with pleading eyes.
English often uses 'pleading' as an adjective (pleading look, pleading voice). In Japanese, you usually need a phrase like 懇願するような (as if pleading) rather than a single adjective.
懇願するような口調
a pleading tone
Both mean earnest appeal, but 嘆願 is often used for petitions or formal requests (e.g., to authorities), while 懇願 is more personal and emotional.
She pleaded for her life.
Literally 'to ask desperately', a common way to describe pleading in everyday situations.
彼はもう一度チャンスをくれるように必死に頼んだ。
He pleaded desperately for another chance.
A colloquial phrase meaning 'I'm begging you' or 'please', used to add emotional weight to a request.
お願いだから、行かないで。
Please, I'm begging you, don't go.
Literally 'to admit guilt', used when pleading guilty.
彼はすべての罪について有罪を認めた。
He pleaded guilty to all charges.
Literally 'to claim innocence', used when pleading not guilty.
被告は無罪を主張した。
The defendant pleaded not guilty.
Similar to 懇願するような but with a nuance of pitiful appeal.
彼は哀願するような声で助けを求めた。
He asked for help in a pleading voice.