JLPT N1

～にかこつけて

Using as an excuse for; under the pretext of

Structure

Noun + にかこつけて

How it works

This grammar indicates that someone is using something as a convenient, often insincere, excuse or pretext to do something else. It implies hidden motives or a fabricated reason.

Examples

病気にかこつけて仕事を休んだ。

He took the day off work under the pretext of illness.

Common mistakes

Using it for genuine, legitimate reasons; it almost always implies dishonesty.

Tip

Imagine someone 'using X as a pretext (かこつける)' to cover their real intentions.

More JLPT N1 grammar

いかんによらずをもってをものともせずともなるとであれたりとも~ないに足る極まりない

See ～にかこつけて in real Japanese

Import an article and tap any sentence using it. The explanation comes back about the sentence in front of you, not a textbook example.

Try InputDojo free