변명해요 · 변명했어요 · 변명할 거예요 · 변명하세요
to make excuses, justify oneself, explain oneself
Example
늦은 이유를 변명하지 말고 먼저 사과하세요.
Don't make excuses for being late; apologize first.
Word parts
변 distinguish+명 clear
Literally 'to distinguish and make clear' one's case.
Good to know
변명 sounds defensive; for a neutral official explanation, use 해명하다.