Translation guide
The English word "indirect" describes something not done or communicated in a straightforward way. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends heavily on context: whether you're talking about communication style, a route, a cause, or a grammatical construction. Japanese culture often values indirectness in speech, so there are many nuanced ways to express this.
Describing speech or writing that avoids stating something directly, often to be polite or tactful.
An adjective meaning roundabout or indirect in expression. Commonly used with 言い方 (way of saying) or 表現 (expression).
彼は遠回しな言い方をした。
He spoke in an indirect way.
遠回しに断られた。
I was indirectly turned down.
A more formal adjective meaning indirect. Used for communication, influence, or methods. Often appears in written or technical contexts.
間接的な表現を使う。
Use indirect expressions.
Literally 'not say clearly'. A very common way to describe indirect speech in casual conversation.
彼ははっきり言わないで、いつも遠回しだ。
He never says things directly; he's always indirect.
A formal or literary term for euphemistic or indirect expression. Often used in linguistics or rhetoric.
婉曲な言い回し
an indirect turn of phrase
Describing a physical route that is not straight or direct, often taking longer.
A noun or suru-verb meaning a detour or roundabout route. Very common in daily life.
Can also describe indirect routes, but more formal and less common than 遠回り for physical paths.
Literally 'not go directly'. Used for transportation or travel.
直行しないで、途中で寄り道した。
I didn't go directly; I stopped along the way.
Describing a cause, influence, or consequence that is not direct or immediate.
The standard term for indirect cause, effect, or influence. Used in both casual and formal settings.
間接的な原因
an indirect cause
間接的に影響を受けた。
I was indirectly affected.
Simply means 'not direct'. A straightforward way to negate directness.
その影響は直接ではないが、大きい。
The influence is indirect, but significant.
Referring to the grammatical indirect object, the recipient of an action.
The grammatical term for indirect object. Used in language learning and linguistics.
「彼に本をあげた」の「彼に」は間接目的語です。
In 'I gave him a book', 'him' is the indirect object.
遠回し is specifically about roundabout speech, often with a nuance of avoiding directness for politeness. 間接的 is broader and more formal, covering indirect methods, routes, causes, and communication. In casual conversation about someone's way of speaking, 遠回し is more natural.
In Japanese culture, indirect communication is often preferred to maintain harmony (和). Phrases like はっきり言わない or 遠回しに言う are not necessarily negative; they can imply tact. However, in some contexts, being too indirect can be seen as evasive.
Take an indirect route.