How to say "justify" in Japanese

• ジャスティファイ
  noun, suru verbThe direct loanword, used much as the English verb is — for instance, justifying a decision or expenditure in business or technical discussion. A less common choice, so not the automatic first option.
• 言い開くいいひらく
  godan verb, transitive verbTo justify or vindicate oneself by explaining — talking one's conduct clear of blame or suspicion. Fits when you account for your actions to a boss or in an inquiry; a less common word.
• 申し開らくもうしひらく
  godan verbTo explain or justify oneself with a deferential, apologetic nuance, as when accounting for a problem to a customer or superior. Covers the same ground as 言い開く but more deferential; less common.

All three are less common choices: 「ジャスティファイ」 is the direct loanword for the English verb, while 「言い開く」 and 「申し開らく」 cover justifying oneself through explanation, 「申し開らく」 with a deferential, apologetic tone.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• ジャスティファイjustify
• 言い開くいいひらくto justify
• 申し開らくもうしひらくto explain