noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb, intransitive verb
Often negative: a reason given to avoid blame or responsibility. Common as 言い訳をする, 言い訳する, and 言い訳にする.
遅刻の言い訳をするな。
Don't make excuses for being late.
忙しさを言い訳にして、
He used being busy as an excuse and didn't submit his homework.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb, intransitive verb
A reason or account offered to explain one's actions or situation; still often has a defensive or apologetic tone, unlike the fully neutral 理由 or 説明.
彼女の言い訳を聞いて、事情が少し分かった。
After hearing her explanation, I understood the situation a little.
何か言い訳があるなら、今ここで言ってください。
If you have an explanation, please say it here now.