遠回(とおまわ)し

とおまわし
na-adjective
indirect; roundabout; euphemistic
1. indirect; roundabout; euphemistic
describing communication that avoids being direct, often to soften criticism or bad news
遠回(とおまわ)しに断(ことわ)った。
I refused indirectly.
遠回(とおまわ)しな言(い)い方(かた)はやめてください。
Please stop speaking in a roundabout way.
彼(かれ)は遠回(とおまわ)しに批判(ひはん)していた。
He was criticizing indirectly.

WORD FORMATION:

  • 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.

OPPOSITE:

  • 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)
general
Added 2026.1.25 9:57
08000/08054_toomawashi