1.
way of saying, wording, phrasing, expression
The manner in which something is expressed or worded. Often used when discussing whether something was said appropriately, or when suggesting a better way to phrase something.
その言い方はひどい。
That's a terrible way to put it.
もう少し優しい言い方はできないの？
Can't you say it in a nicer way?
言い方を変えれば、「失敗」ではなく「経験」だ。
Put another way, it's not a "failure" but an "experience."
USAGE:
言い方 focuses on how something is expressed, not what is said. It is very commonly used when criticizing or commenting on someone's tone or phrasing. The pattern ～の言い方 can refer to a specific person's way of speaking or a particular phrasing.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 言い方を変える: to change one's wording
- 言い方が悪い: wording is bad/harsh
- 別の言い方をすれば: to put it another way
- 丁寧な言い方: polite wording