言(い)い回(まわ)し

いいまわし
noun
phrasing, way of saying
communication
1. phrasing, way of saying, expression, wording
The particular way something is expressed in words. Refers to the choice of words and sentence structure used to convey a meaning, often with attention to nuance, politeness, or style.
もう少(すこ)し丁寧(ていねい)な言(い)い回(まわ)しにしよう。
Let's use a more polite phrasing.
日本語(にほんご)には独特(どくとく)の言(い)い回(まわ)しが多(おお)い。
Japanese has many unique expressions.
その言(い)い回(まわ)しだと誤解(ごかい)を招(まね)くかもしれないから、別(べつ)の表現(ひょうげん)に変(か)えたほうがいい。
That phrasing might cause a misunderstanding, so it would be better to change to a different expression.

Usage

言(い)い回(まわ)し focuses on how something is said rather than what is said. It is similar to 表現(ひょうげん) (expression) but more specifically about the wording and phrasing choices. Often discussed in the context of politeness levels, avoiding offense, or improving writing.

Common collocations

Related Words

Synonym: 表現(ひょうげん) (expression (broader))
Compare: フレーズ (phrase)
Compare: 言(い)い換(か)え (paraphrase)
Compare: 語法(ごほう) (diction)
general
Added 2026.2.28 10:22 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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