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舌が回る (したがまわる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ru)
be talkative ; have a glib tongue ; speak fluently
idiomatic expression
Idiomatic expression describing someone who speaks easily, smoothly, or at length. Often implies a natural or practiced ease with words, sometimes with a nuance of being too smooth or glib.
あの
営えい
業ぎょう
マン
は
本ほん
当とう
に
舌した
が
回まわ
る
。
That salesman really has a glib tongue.
Similar words 口くち がうまい 口がうまい focuses on being smooth-talking or flattering, often with a negative connotation, while 舌が回る is more about fluency and talkativeness, which can be neutral or positive.
おしゃべり おしゃべり is a general term for chatting or being talkative, but 舌が回る specifically emphasizes the ease and fluency of speech, often in a more idiomatic and vivid way.
Etymology The expression literally means 'the tongue turns/spins,' metaphorically suggesting that the tongue moves smoothly and effortlessly, leading to fluent or talkative speech. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a common Japanese idiom.
