いわゆる
Meanings
1
pre-noun adjectival
usually written using kana alone
Pre-noun adjectival used to introduce a term or concept that is commonly known by a certain name, often with a nuance of 'the so-called' or 'what people refer to as'.
This is the so-called spirit of 'mottainai'.
He is what you'd call a genius.
Usage patterns
- いわゆる〈物〉the so-called ~; what is commonly known as ~
He's what you'd call a genius type.
- いわゆる「〈事〉」というものwhat is referred to as ~; the thing called ~
This is what's called a 'black company' (exploitative employer).