Translation guide
A detour is a deviation from a planned or direct route, often due to an obstruction or to avoid something. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is 迂回 (ukai) for formal or written contexts, and 回り道 (mawarimichi) for everyday speech. The choice depends on formality and whether the detour is intentional or forced.
The speaker wants to describe or instruct someone to take an alternative route because the usual way is blocked or unavailable.
Formal or written term for a detour, often used in traffic reports, signs, and official announcements. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (迂回する).
この先、工事のため迂回してください。
Please take a detour ahead due to construction.
迂回路はこちらです。
The detour route is this way.
Common, everyday word for a detour or roundabout way. Implies taking a longer route, often intentionally or due to circumstances. Can be used as a noun or with する.
事故で回り道をした。
I took a detour because of an accident.
回り道になるけど、こっちのほうが安全だよ。
It's a detour, but this way is safer.
Literally 'going the long way around.' Emphasizes that the route is longer than necessary. Often used when the detour is inconvenient.
遠回りして帰った。
I went home the long way.
The speaker wants to express that they are purposely taking a longer or different route to avoid a person, place, or situation, or to enjoy scenery.
Works for intentional detours as well. The context makes it clear whether it's forced or voluntary.
彼に会いたくなかったから、回り道をした。
I took a detour because I didn't want to see him.
Means 'stopping by' or 'dropping in' somewhere on the way. It's a detour with a purpose, like shopping or visiting. Not used for forced detours.
Explicitly states 'to intentionally take the long way.' Used when emphasizing the deliberate nature of the detour.
景色がいいから、わざと遠回りした。
I intentionally took the long way because the scenery is nice.
The speaker wants to describe a metaphorical detour, such as a career change, a delay in plans, or an unexpected life event.
Commonly used metaphorically to mean a roundabout way in life or processes. It often carries a positive nuance of gaining experience.
人生には回り道も必要だ。
Detours in life are also necessary.
Also used figuratively, but often emphasizes inefficiency or taking a longer path than needed.
Rarely used figuratively; sounds very formal or technical. Might appear in business contexts for bypassing procedures.
回り道 (mawarimichi) is the most versatile and neutral word for a detour, used in both physical and metaphorical senses. 遠回り (toomawari) emphasizes the extra distance or time, often with a negative nuance. 迂回 (ukai) is formal and mainly used for traffic or official detours.
回り道をしたが、思ったより早く着いた。
I took a detour, but arrived earlier than expected.
遠回りして疲れた。
I got tired from taking the long way.
工事中につき迂回してください。
Please detour due to construction.
The English loanword デトール (detōru) is not used in Japanese. Always use the native terms above.
帰りに本屋に寄り道した。
I made a detour to the bookstore on my way home.
遠回りな説明ですみません。
Sorry for the roundabout explanation.
There is no way to bypass the procedure.