Translation guide
The English adverb 'indirectly' describes doing something not in a straight line or not in a direct manner. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs, verb forms, and phrases depending on whether you mean 'not directly,' 'in a roundabout way,' 'implicitly,' or 'through an intermediary.'
Expressing that something is done via another person or channel, rather than face-to-face or firsthand.
The most standard and neutral adverb for 'indirectly.' Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼から間接的に話を聞きました。
I heard about it indirectly from him.
To be indirectly affected.
Literally 'through people,' emphasizing that information was passed along by others. Common in conversation.
そのニュースは人づてに聞いた。
I heard that news indirectly (through someone).
Means 'by hearsay' or 'secondhand.' Often used when you didn't hear it directly from the source.
又聞きで申し訳ないんですが。
I'm sorry, I heard this indirectly (secondhand).
Formal or written expression meaning 'by hearsay.' Used in legal or official contexts.
伝聞で得た情報です。
This is information obtained indirectly (by hearsay).
Describing speech or action that is not direct, often to be polite or avoid confrontation.
Used when someone speaks indirectly, hinting at something without saying it outright. Very common in daily conversation.
遠回しに断られた。
I was indirectly turned down.
遠回しに言わないで、はっきり言ってください。
Don't say it indirectly; please say it clearly.
Means 'euphemistically' or 'indirectly' in a polite, softened way. Often used in formal or written contexts.
婉曲に表現する。
To express indirectly (euphemistically).
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to wrap in a thin layer,' i.e., to say something indirectly or gently. Casual.
オブラートに包んで言うと、ちょっと難しいかも。
To put it indirectly, it might be a bit difficult.
When something is suggested or understood without being directly expressed.
Adverb meaning 'implicitly' or 'indirectly.' Used when hinting at something without stating it openly.
彼は暗に辞職を示唆した。
He indirectly hinted at his resignation.
Means 'indirectly' or 'casually' when you want to convey something without being obvious. Common in conversation.
Describing a physical path or route that is not direct.
Literally 'taking a detour,' used for physical routes. Can also be used metaphorically.
遠回りして帰った。
I went home indirectly (took a detour).
Formal term for 'detour' or 'bypass,' often used in traffic or geographical contexts.
工事のため迂回してください。
Please take an indirect route due to construction.
間接的に is a general term for 'indirectly' and can be used for both physical and abstract situations. 遠回しに is specifically for speech or expression that is roundabout or hinting.
English 'indirectly' covers many nuances. In Japanese, choose the word that matches the specific context: 間接的に for general indirectness, 遠回しに for roundabout speech, 暗に for implicit hints, etc. Using 間接的に in all cases may sound unnatural.
それとなく聞いてみた。
I asked indirectly (casually).