Translation guide
The English word "oblique" has several distinct meanings, from physical angles to indirect communication. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese equivalents for each sense.
Describing a line, direction, or surface that is not horizontal or vertical; at an angle.
The most common and versatile word for 'diagonal' or 'slanting'. Used for physical angles, directions, and even metaphorical slants.
斜めの線を引いてください。
Please draw a diagonal line.
彼は帽子を斜めにかぶっていた。
He wore his hat at a slant.
Specifically means 'diagonal direction'. Useful when emphasizing the direction itself.
斜め方向に進んでください。
Please go in a diagonal direction.
A technical or formal term for 'oblique movement' or 'moving diagonally', often used in sports or mechanics.
斜行するエレベーター
an elevator that moves diagonally
Referring to communication, hints, or references that are not direct or explicit.
Means 'roundabout' or 'indirect' in speech. Often used with verbs like 言う (to say) or 表現する (to express).
彼は遠回しに断った。
He refused indirectly.
遠回しな言い方をしないでください。
Please don't beat around the bush.
A more formal adjective meaning 'indirect'. Can be used for both communication and other indirect methods.
A verb meaning 'to hint at' or 'to insinuate'. Implies a subtle, oblique suggestion.
Specifically referring to an angle that is not a right angle, or a muscle with diagonal fibers.
The geometric term for 'oblique angle'.
斜角を計算する。
Calculate the oblique angle.
Anatomical term for 'oblique muscle', such as the abdominal obliques.
腹斜筋を鍛える運動。
Exercises to train the oblique muscles.
In linguistics, a grammatical case other than the nominative or vocative.
The standard linguistic term for 'oblique case'.
斜格は主格以外の格を指す。
Oblique case refers to cases other than the nominative.
While 斜め (naname) can metaphorically mean 'not straightforward' in some contexts (like 斜めの意見, a slanted opinion), it is not the standard way to express indirect communication. Use 遠回し (toomawashi) or 間接的 (kansetsuteki) instead.
遠回し (toomawashi) is more colloquial and often implies intentional evasiveness or tact. 間接的 (kansetsuteki) is more formal and neutral, simply meaning 'indirect' without necessarily implying intent.
Use indirect expressions.
彼は辞職をほのめかした。
He hinted at his resignation.
Literally 'to muddy one's words', meaning to be evasive or not give a clear answer. Very common in spoken Japanese.
彼は言葉を濁して、はっきり答えなかった。
He was evasive and didn't answer clearly.