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explanation (e.g. for one's actions); excuse; justification; defense; defence
彼は必死に弁解しようとしたが無駄だった。
He desperately tried to explain himself but it was useless.
弁解の余地がないほど明らかな間違いだった。
It was such an obvious mistake that there was no room for excuses.
言い訳や弁解は聞きたくありません。
I don't want to hear excuses or explanations.