Translation guide
The ability to say or do the right thing without offending others; sensitivity in dealing with people.
Expressing the idea of being tactful, diplomatic, or considerate in speech and behavior.
Attentiveness and consideration for others' feelings; often used for thoughtful actions.
She is always a tactful person.
Compassionate consideration; implies empathy and kindness.
He said something tactful and kind.
To read the room; to sense the atmosphere and act appropriately.
He is good at being tactful (reading the room).
Tactful and socially adept; often describes someone who handles situations smoothly.
I was impressed by his tactful response.
Loanword from English; used in some contexts but less natural than native terms.
He lacks tact.
Choosing words carefully to avoid hurting feelings or being too direct.
To choose one's words carefully; a common way to describe tactful speech.
Please speak tactfully (choose your words).
To wrap in a thin layer; idiom for softening a statement or being indirect.
I conveyed the criticism tactfully (wrapped it in a wafer).
To say indirectly; a way to be tactful by not stating things bluntly.
I declined tactfully (indirectly).
Describing someone who is tactless or says things too directly.
気配り focuses on attentive actions and anticipating needs, while 思いやり emphasizes emotional empathy and kindness. Both are used for tact, but 気配り is more about practical consideration.
The English word 'tact' is often translated directly as タクト, but this sounds unnatural in most contexts. Use native expressions like 気配り or 空気を読む instead.
無神経なことを言う人だ。
He says tactless things.