Grammar Info

N1 Lesson 5: 18/18

訳(わけ)あり(訳(わけ)あって)～ with reasons, Due to reasons, Defective, Problematic, Unique

Structure

訳(わけ)あり + Noun
訳(わけ)あり + な + Noun
訳(わけ)あり + の + Noun
訳(わけ)あって + Phrase
訳(わけ)あり + で + Phrase

Details

  • Standard

About 訳あり(訳あって)

訳(わけ)あり is a phrase that is often used before nouns to express that there is a reason for something being a certain way. The reason is normally complicated or something that the speaker does not want to or cannot explain. 訳(わけ)あり is literally made up of 訳(わけ), 'reason' or 'cause', and the continuative form (連用形(れんようけい)) of ある.

訳(わけ)あり will often be connected to nouns with の but sometimes it will be used like a な-adjective and be connected with な.

訳(わけ)あり can also be seen directly before some words, without な or の, however these are normally considered to be fixed expressions. This is often a way to euphemistically avoid giving negative descriptions of things.

Fun Fact

A closely related phrase is 訳(わけ)あって, meaning 'for a reason (which isn't specified)'. It is often used at the start of sentences when the speaker wants to say that there are some deeper reasons behind what they're saying, however they do not want to or cannot explicitly say what those reasons are. When not used in front of a noun, 訳(わけ)あり can also be used in a similar way.

Examples

--:--

  • 「実(じつ)は今日(きょう)デートに行(い)けなかったの、ちょっと訳(わけ)ありでね……ごめん。」

    ‘Actually, I couldn’t go on the date today. It’s just have my reasons, sorry.’

    • 彼女(かのじょ)、過去(かこ)に訳(わけ)ありで、なかなか人(ひと)を信用(しんよう)できないんだって。

      As she apparently has a complicated past, she can’t trust people.

      • 数量限定(すうりょうげんてい)の訳(わけ)ありアウトレット品(ひん)ですので、お早(はや)めにどうぞ。

        There are a limited number of outlet items with minor issues, so help yourself soon.

        • この古(ふる)い時計(とけい)、動(うご)かないのは訳(わけ)ありで、中(なか)に小(ちい)さな妖精(ようせい)が住(す)んでるとか何(なん)とか……。

          This old clock doesn’t work for some undisclosed reason. Something about a tiny fairy living inside or something…

          • 実(じつ)はこのＴ(ティー)シャツ、洗濯(せんたく)すると色(いろ)が変(か)わる訳(わけ)あり品(ひん)。驚(おどろ)きのファッションアイテムだね！

            Actually, this T-shirt is a unique item that changes color when you wash it. A surprising fashion item, right!

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