Translation guide
The English verb 'broach' means to bring up a sensitive or difficult topic for discussion. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express this idea, from formal to casual.
To start talking about a subject that is difficult, embarrassing, or likely to cause disagreement.
The most direct equivalent. It means to broach a topic, often one that is hard to say. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
To bring up a topic in a cautious or indirect way, testing the reaction.
Means to hint at something or mention it indirectly. Useful when you want to broach a subject without being direct.
彼にそれとなく転職のことを言ってみた。
I tentatively broached the idea of changing jobs with him.
The English verb 'broach' does not have a single exact Japanese equivalent. Using a dictionary form like 'ブローチする' is not natural. Instead, use the phrases above depending on the context.
切り出す emphasizes the act of starting to speak about a difficult topic, often with hesitation. 話を持ち出す focuses on introducing a topic into the conversation, which may be sensitive or simply new. 切り出す is more common for personal, emotional topics.
彼に借金のことを切り出した。
I broached the subject of the debt with him (it was hard to say).
It was difficult to broach the subject with him.
どうやってこの問題を切り出そうか。
How should I broach this issue?
Literally 'bring out a topic'. It implies introducing a subject into conversation, often one that may be unwelcome or sensitive.
会議でその話題を持ち出すのは避けた。
I avoided broaching that topic at the meeting.
A more general phrase meaning 'to make something a topic of conversation'. It can be used for broaching a subject, though it lacks the nuance of difficulty.
彼女は給料のことを話題にした。
She broached the subject of salary.
Literally 'open one's mouth'. It can mean to start speaking about something, often after hesitation. Used when the act of beginning to speak is the focus.
彼はようやくそのことについて口を開いた。
He finally broached the matter.
Literally 'say in a roundabout way'. It implies broaching a subject indirectly, often to avoid offense.
彼女は遠回しに別れの話をした。
She indirectly broached the topic of breaking up.
He brought up the topic of budget cuts at the meeting (introduced it).
He brought up the topic of budget cuts at the meeting (introduced it).