Translation guide
How to express using something as an excuse or pretext in Japanese, from common patterns to formal expressions.
The speaker uses a stated reason to justify an action, but the real motive is different.
The most common and neutral way to say 'using A as a pretext'. Attach to a noun.
彼は出張を口実に、家族と過ごす時間を減らした。
He used business trips as a pretext to spend less time with his family.
The act of creating or giving a pretext.
To make something into an excuse.
彼はいつも天気を口実にする。
He always uses the weather as an excuse.
Using someone's name or authority to justify an action.
Colloquial, often negative nuance of exploiting someone.
彼は上司をダシにして、自分の意見を通した。
He used his boss as a pretext to push his own opinion.
口実 is the most general and neutral. 名目 is formal and often used in official contexts. かこつけて is colloquial and implies a convenient, often transparent excuse.
Do not directly translate 'use as a pretext' word-for-word. The patterns above are the natural Japanese equivalents.
病気を口実に会議を欠席した。
I skipped the meeting using illness as an excuse.
Slightly more colloquial than 口実. Implies using something as a convenient excuse.
彼は仕事にかこつけて、飲み会に行っている。
He goes out drinking under the pretext of work.
Formal, often used in official or business contexts. 'Under the name/pretext of'.
視察を名目に、海外旅行を楽しんだ。
He enjoyed an overseas trip under the pretext of an inspection.
Literally 'using as a shield'. Stronger nuance of hiding behind something.
規則を盾に、彼の提案を却下した。
They rejected his proposal using the rules as a shield.
To create/fabricate an excuse.
彼女に会うために口実を作った。
I made up an excuse to see her.