22 Japanese ways to say “Make an exception

Sometimes, rules are meant to be bent—or even broken. But how do you say “make an exception” in Japanese without sounding too formal or rigid?

Whether you’re navigating social nuances or just want to express a little flexibility, there are many ways to soften your language and show warmth through exceptions.

In this article, we’ll explore 22 Japanese phrases that capture that spirit, from casual to polite to native-like expressions.

Learning these can help you sound more natural and relatable, whether at work, with friends, or in daily life.

Plus, understanding these nuances gives you a glimpse into Japanese culture’s balance between rules and kindness.

Ready to make some exceptions in your Japanese? Let’s dive in!

Understanding “Making an Exception” in Japanese

Before we jump into specific phrases, it’s good to know that Japanese often uses context and subtlety rather than direct phrases.

Many ways to say “make an exception” revolve around verbs like 許す (ゆるす, yurusu) meaning “to allow” or expressions that soften a refusal.

These phrases vary by politeness, formality, and nuance.

Sometimes, a great language learning book can help clarify how these phrases fit into conversation.

Remember, practice and exposure are key to mastering these exceptions smoothly.

Let’s start with some casual and friendly ways to say “make an exception.”

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 特別にする (とくべつにする, Tokubetsu ni suru) – “To make it special”

This phrase literally means “to do something specially,” which fits well when you want to say you’re making an exception.

It’s straightforward and easy to use in friendly conversations when you want to highlight that you’re bending the rules a bit.

Think of it as making a special case just for someone.

For example, you might say, “今回は特別にするよ” (Konkai wa tokubetsu ni suru yo) – “I’ll make an exception this time.”

You can combine it with verbs like 許す (ゆるす, yurusu) for “allow” to soften the tone.

Perfect for casual chats with friends or coworkers.

2. 例外を認める (れいがいをみとめる, Reigai o mitomeru) – “To admit an exception”

This phrase is a bit more descriptive but still casual enough for everyday use.

It means you recognize that an exception applies in this case.

It’s handy when you want to explain that you’re bending the rules consciously.

Be careful not to sound too formal if used with close friends.

Example: “今回は例外を認めますね” (Konkai wa reigai o mitomemasu ne) – “I’ll make an exception this time.”

Great for polite but relaxed situations.

3. 特別扱いする (とくべつあつかいする, Tokubetsu atsukai suru) – “To treat specially”

This phrase focuses on treating someone specially, implying an exception to usual rules.

It’s very natural for everyday conversations when you want to highlight special treatment.

You can use it casually to show a kind gesture.

Example: “今日は特別扱いするよ” (Kyou wa tokubetsu atsukai suru yo) – “I’ll make an exception for you today.”

It’s a nice way to add warmth to your speech.

Use it when you want to sound friendly and considerate.

4. 今回だけ (こんかいだけ, Konkai dake) – “Just this time”

Sometimes, making an exception is as simple as saying “just this time.”

This phrase is casual and implies an exception without stating it directly.

It’s very common and easy to slip into conversation.

Example: “今回は今回だけだよ” (Konkai wa konkai dake da yo) – “Just this once.”

This phrase is good when you want to keep it light and breezy.

Perfect for quick exceptions among friends.

5. 勘弁してあげる (かんべんしてあげる, Kanben shite ageru) – “I’ll give you a break”

This phrase literally means “I’ll forgive you” or “I’ll give you a break,” which can be a warm way to say you’re making an exception.

It’s casual and often used when someone messes up or needs a favor.

Example: “今日は勘弁してあげる” (Kyou wa kanben shite ageru) – “I’ll make an exception for today.”

It’s friendly and shows kindness.

Great for informal situations where you want to soften a refusal.

Try using this when you want to sound cool and understanding.

6. 特別に許す (とくべつにゆるす, Tokubetsu ni yurusu) – “To specially allow”

This phrase combines “special” and “allow,” making it clear you’re granting an exception.

It’s a bit more formal but still easy to use in polite conversations.

Example: “今回は特別に許します” (Konkai wa tokubetsu ni yurushimasu) – “I’ll allow it as an exception this time.”

Perfect when you want to be polite yet clear.

Good for workplace or casual formal contexts.

Practice this to sound understanding but professional.

7. ちょっとだけOK (Chotto dake OK) – “Just a little okay”

This phrase is super casual and friendly, perfect for light exceptions.

It means you’re okay with a small exception, keeping things informal.

Example: “それはちょっとだけOKだよ” (Sore wa chotto dake OK da yo) – “That’s just a little okay.”

Use this when you want to sound relaxed and easygoing.

Great for friends or casual chats.

It’s a fun way to say “make an exception” without stress.

8. ルール破り (ルールやぶり, Ruuru yaburi) – “Rule breaking”

This phrase literally means “breaking the rules,” but can be used jokingly to say you’re making an exception.

It’s informal and best used when teasing friends or in lighthearted moments.

Example: “今日はルール破りしちゃおう” (Kyou wa ruuru yaburi shiyou) – “Let’s break the rules today.”

Use it carefully, as it can sound too casual or rebellious otherwise.

Great for fun, native-like expressions.

Try this to add some playful flair to exceptions.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 例外を認めさせていただきます (れいがいをみとめさせていただきます, Reigai o mitomesasete itadakimasu) – “I humbly allow an exception”

This is a very polite and humble way to say you’re allowing an exception.

It’s perfect for work or formal situations where respect is key.

Using いただきます (itadakimasu) adds humility, making your exception sound considerate.

Example: “今回は例外を認めさせていただきます” (Konkai wa reigai o mitomesasete itadakimasu) – “I will humbly allow this exception.”

Great for bosses or customer service roles.

Practice this phrase to sound genuinely polite and professional.

10. 特例として扱います (とくれいとしてあつかいます, Tokurei to shite atsukaimasu) – “To treat as a special case”

This phrase is formal and clear, emphasizing a special case handling.

It suits business emails or official announcements.

Example: “この件は特例として扱います” (Kono ken wa tokurei to shite atsukaimasu) – “We will treat this matter as a special case.”

It sounds official and respectful.

Use this when you need to be clear but polite.

Great for formal requests or exceptions in work.

11. ご容赦ください (ごようしゃください, Goyousha kudasai) – “Please forgive (the exception)”

This phrase politely asks for forgiveness, implying a special exception is being made.

It’s often used in customer service or formal apologies.

Example: “今回のみご容赦ください” (Konkai nomi goyousha kudasai) – “Please forgive this time only.”

It’s humble and respectful.

Perfect for sensitive exceptions.

Use this to soften the impact of an exception in formal settings.

12. 特別許可を差し上げます (とくべつきょかをさしあげます, Tokubetsu kyoka o sashiagemasu) – “I grant special permission”

This is a very polite way to say you’re granting an exception.

It works well in business or official contexts.

Example: “今回は特別許可を差し上げます” (Konkai wa tokubetsu kyoka o sashiagemasu) – “I grant special permission this time.”

It shows respect and authority.

Use this phrase when you want to sound both kind and professional.

Great for official exceptions or approvals.

13. 例外対応いたします (れいがいたいおういたします, Reigai taiou itashimasu) – “We will handle this as an exception”

This phrase is polite and professional, often used in customer service or business.

It shows you’re making a thoughtful exception.

Example: “こちらのご要望は例外対応いたします” (Kochira no goyoubou wa reigai taiou itashimasu) – “We will handle your request as an exception.”

It’s a great way to confirm flexibility formally.

Use it to maintain politeness while showing accommodation.

Ideal for emails or formal conversations.

14. 特別措置を取ります (とくべつそちをとります, Tokubetsu sochi o torimasu) – “We will take special measures”

This phrase means you’re taking special steps or measures, implying an exception.

It sounds official and is often used in business or government contexts.

Example: “必要に応じて特別措置を取ります” (Hitsuyou ni oujite tokubetsu sochi o torimasu) – “We will take special measures as needed.”

It shows careful consideration.

Use this phrase to sound responsible and formal.

Great for official or serious exceptions.

15. 特例承認します (とくれいしょうにんします, Tokurei shounin shimasu) – “Approve a special exception”

This phrase is very formal and means you officially approve an exception.

It’s commonly used in business or legal contexts.

Example: “このケースは特例承認します” (Kono keesu wa tokurei shounin shimasu) – “This case is approved as a special exception.”

It sounds authoritative and clear.

Use this when you want to be official and precise.

Perfect for written or spoken formal approvals.

16. 見逃す (みのがす, Minogasu) – “To overlook (an exception)”

This verb means to overlook or let something pass, implying a kind exception.

It’s polite but can be casual depending on tone.

Example: “今回は見逃します” (Konkai wa minogashimasu) – “I’ll overlook it this time.”

It’s a gentle way to express making an exception.

Use it when you want to sound forgiving and understanding.

Great for softening refusals.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. ゆるしちゃう (Yurushichau) – “I’ll forgive (casual)”

This is a very casual, colloquial way to say “I’ll forgive” or make an exception.

It’s often used among friends or in relaxed situations.

Example: “今回はゆるしちゃうよ” (Konkai wa yurushichau yo) – “I’ll make an exception this time.”

It sounds friendly and informal.

Use it to sound native and laid-back.

Perfect for casual conversations or texting.

18. ま、いいか (Ma, ii ka) – “Well, that’s fine”

This phrase is very casual and implies you’re okay with bending the rules.

It’s often used when deciding to make an exception without much fuss.

Example: “今日はま、いいか” (Kyou wa ma, ii ka) – “Well, it’s okay today.”

It’s super natural and common.

Use it to sound effortless and native.

Great for informal moments.

19. 特別ね (とくべつね, Tokubetsu ne) – “It’s special (just for you)”

This phrase is short and sweet, used to imply an exception warmly.

It’s casual and affectionate.

Example: “特別ね！” (Tokubetsu ne!) – “It’s special (just for you)!”

Perfect for close friends or family.

Use this to add personal warmth.

Great for playful exceptions.

20. ちょっとだけだよ (Chotto dake da yo) – “Just a little bit”

This phrase emphasizes a small exception in a very casual way.

It’s friendly and often used when you want to limit the exception.

Example: “今回はちょっとだけだよ” (Konkai wa chotto dake da yo) – “Just a little bit this time.”

It sounds approachable and light.

Use it to keep exceptions small and casual.

Great for informal chats.

21. やっちゃおう (Yacchaou) – “Let’s just do it (breaking the rules)”

This phrase is very casual and implies deciding to make an exception boldly.

It’s playful and native-like.

Example: “今日はやっちゃおう！” (Kyou wa yacchaou!) – “Let’s just do it today!”

Use it among friends when making light exceptions.

Perfect for spontaneous moments.

Adds excitement to exceptions.

22. まあ、いいでしょう (Maa, ii deshou) – “Well, it should be fine”

This phrase is casual but polite, showing you’re okay with making an exception.

It’s common in everyday conversations where you want to signal agreement with some hesitation.

Example: “今回はまあ、いいでしょう” (Konkai wa maa, ii deshou) – “Well, it should be fine this time.”

It balances casual and polite tones.

Use it when you want to sound reasonable but not too formal.

Great for mixed settings.

Concluding Thought

Making exceptions is part of human connection, and Japanese offers many warm and nuanced ways to express it.

From casual chats with friends to formal business approvals, these 22 phrases will help you navigate those moments smoothly.

So go ahead—bend the rules just a little, and watch your Japanese conversations become richer and more natural!