Saying "It's the principle of the matter"


How does one say "it's the principle of the thing", in particular for when
giving feedback.

For example, it's not the 1$ over change but the principle of the matter. (as
in the one dollar doesn't really matter but the principle of being overcharged
is what is at issue).

I took a look at ALC and it gave me 原則{げんそく} and 基礎{きそ} but these don't really
seem to fit the definition very well.




主義{しゅぎ} is a principle or rule. I think this would apply to your personal
principles or values.

So for the "it is the principle that matters", you could respond:

> 私の主義ですから。
>
> Since it is my principle.

Alternatively:

> 主義が重要ですから。
>
> Since it is the principle that is important.

For a less literal translation,
[Jisho.org](https://jisho.org/search/%E7%89%A9%E3%81%AE%E9%81%93%E7%90%86)
gives the meaning of 物{もの}の道{どう}理{り} as the "principle of the thing". So the
most fitting phrase would be:

> 物の道理ですから。
>
> It is the principle of the thing.




主義{しゅぎ} is a principle or rule. I think this would apply to your personal
principles or values.

So for the "it is the principle that matters", you could respond:

> 私の主義ですから。
>
> Since it is my principle.

Alternatively:

> 主義が重要ですから。
>
> Since it is the principle that is important.

For a less literal translation,
[Jisho.org](https://jisho.org/search/%E7%89%A9%E3%81%AE%E9%81%93%E7%90%86)
gives the meaning of 物{もの}の道{どう}理{り} as the "principle of the thing". So the
most fitting phrase would be:

> 物の道理ですから。
>
> It is the principle of the thing.

