いわゆる
いわゆる
pre-noun adjective
so-called, what is called
1.
so-called, what is called
Used to introduce a term or label commonly used for something.
これがいわゆる「日本的」な考え方だ。
This is what they call the 'Japanese' way of thinking.
いわゆる専門家の意見。
The opinion of so-called experts.
いわゆる「ゆとり世代」だ。
They're from what's called the 'relaxed education generation'.
2.
what people call
Indicating a commonly used name or description.
これがいわゆる「日本的」な考え方だ。
This is what they call the 'Japanese' way of thinking.
いわゆる専門家の意見。
The opinion of so-called experts.
いわゆる「ゆとり世代」だ。
They're from what's called the 'relaxed education generation'.
いわゆる is a pre-noun adjective (連体詞) meaning "so-called."
USAGE:
- Always followed by a noun
- Often used with quotation marks around the following term
- Can imply distance from the term ("what others call")
- Can be slightly skeptical or ironic
ETYMOLOGY:
- From 言う (古語: いわ) + ゆる (archaic potential)
- Literally: "what is said/called"
WRITING:
- Usually hiragana
- Can be written 所謂 (rare)