婉曲(えんきょく)

えんきょく
na-adjective, noun
euphemistic; indirect; roundabout
formalcommunicationlanguage
1. euphemistic; indirect; roundabout
Expressing something in a mild, indirect way to avoid being blunt or offensive.
婉曲(えんきょく)な言(い)い方(かた)をする。
To speak in an indirect way.
婉曲(えんきょく)に断(ことわ)った。
I declined indirectly.
婉曲(えんきょく)表現(ひょうげん)を使(つか)ったほうがいい。
You should use euphemistic expressions.

Etymology

婉(えん) (graceful, gentle) + 曲(きょく) (curved, indirect)

Cultural note

Indirect communication is valued in Japanese culture. Using 婉曲(えんきょく)表現(ひょうげん) (euphemisms) helps maintain harmony and avoid direct confrontation.

Common patterns

Related words

Related Words

Synonym: 遠回(とおまわ)し (roundabout, indirect)
Antonym: 直接(ちょくせつ) (direct)
Related: 暗示(あんじ) (hint, suggestion)
Antonym: 直接的(ちょくせつてき) (direct)
general
Added 2026.1.21 8:30 · Revised 2026.10.12 3:42
07500/07710_enkyoku