ていうか

conjunction

or rather, I mean, actually

informalslanggrammatical

1. or rather, I mean

Used to rephrase, correct, or clarify a previous statement.

It's difficult, or rather, impossible.

I don't dislike it, I mean, I actually like it.

I'm tired, or rather, I'm sleepy.

It's not that it wasn't interesting, I mean, I didn't understand it at all.

I'm busy, or rather, I just don't have the time.

2. actually, to be honest

Used to change the topic or express what one really thinks.

Actually, why did you come here today?

To be honest, I want to go home already.

Actually, can we get back to the topic?

Actually, why did you come in the first place?

I mean, wouldn't it be better to start over from the beginning?

Etymology: A contraction of というか, built on the quotative と言(い)う and used for rephrasing.

Formality: Very casual. Should not be used in formal speech or writing.

VARIANT FORMS (least to most casual):

1. CORRECTION: X、ていうかY (X, or rather Y)
2. TOPIC CHANGE: ていうか、〜 (anyway, ~)
3. HONEST OPINION: ていうか、本当(ほんとう)は〜 (actually, honestly ~)

Common in youth speech: Often used as a conversation pivot or to interject a different thought.

Caution: Overuse can sound unfocused or evasive. In professional settings, use というか or 正確(せいかく)に言(い)うと (to be precise) instead.

Related Words

core

Added 2026.1.18 19:29 · Revised 2026.8.14 12:28

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