クッションワード

noun

cushion word; softening phrase

A word or phrase used to soften a potentially awkward or negative statement, especially in business settings. Common examples include 申し訳ありませんが (I'm sorry, but...) and あいにく (unfortunately). The term itself is rare; the concept is more often discussed in communication guides.

wasei-eigo (Japanese-coined English), from cushion word

• ビジネス会かい話わでは、断ことわるときにクッションワードを使つかうと印いん象しょうが和やわらぐ。

  In business conversation, using a cushion word when refusing softens the impression.

• 「クッションワード」という言こと葉ば自じ体たいはあまり一いっ般ぱん的てきではないが、その概がい念ねんはよく知しられている。

  The term 'cushion word' itself is not very common, but the concept is well known.