遠回(とおまわ)し

Forms

• 遠回(とおまわ)り (detour, taking a long way)
• し (manner suffix)

→ "in a roundabout manner"

Usage

• 遠回(とおまわ)しに言(い)う (to say indirectly)
• 遠回(とおまわ)しな表現(ひょうげん) (indirect expression)
• 遠回(とおまわ)しに断(ことわ)る (to decline indirectly)

Cultural note

遠回(とおまわ)し communication is common in Japanese culture, especially when giving negative feedback or refusing requests. Being too direct can be seen as rude or inconsiderate of others' feelings.

Similar words

• 直接的(ちょくせつてき) (direct)
• ストレートに (straightforwardly)
• 率直(そっちょく)に (candidly)