婉曲(えんきょく)

えんきょく
na-adjective, noun
euphemistic; indirect; roundabout
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)

USAGE IN JAPANESE COMMUNICATION:
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:

  • 婉曲(えんきょく)な言(い)い方(かた) - indirect way of speaking
  • 婉曲(えんきょく)に断(ことわ)る - to decline indirectly
  • 婉曲(えんきょく)表現(ひょうげん) - euphemism

RELATED:

  • 遠回(とおまわ)し - roundabout, indirect
  • 暗示(あんじ) - hint, suggestion
  • 直接的(ちょくせつてき) - direct (antonym)
general
Added 2026.1.21 8:30
07500/07710_enkyoku