Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
辻褄を合わせる (つじつまをあわせる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, ichidan verb
make one's story consistent ; adjust one's story to fit the situation
Used when someone ensures that their account, explanation, or alibi is logically coherent and free of contradictions, often with a nuance of tailoring it to circumstances.
こま
かい
部ぶ
分ぶん
を
変か
え
た
。
I changed the details to make the story coherent.
Written forms 辻つじ 褄つま を 合あ わせる
Standard kanji spelling; 辻褄 is a compound of 辻 (crossroads) and 褄 (skirt hem), metaphorically meaning consistency.
つじつまを 合あ わせる
Kana spelling is common when the kanji are considered difficult or when clarity is preferred.
Kanji 辻 crossing, crossroad, street corners Similar words 筋すじ が 通とお る 筋が通る means 'to be logical/consistent' as an intransitive state, while 辻褄を合わせる is a transitive action of actively making something consistent.
整せい 合ごう 性せい を 取と る 整合性を取る is a more formal, technical expression for ensuring consistency, often used in data or systems, whereas 辻褄を合わせる is colloquial and often refers to personal accounts or excuses.
Etymology The phrase combines 辻褄 (つじつま, 'consistency', literally 'crossroads and skirt hem') with 合わせる (あわせる, 'to match'). The origin of 辻褄 is uncertain, but it likely derives from the idea of two things meeting properly, like the edges of a kimono at the crossroads of the body.
