婉曲(えんきょく)に

えんきょくに
adverb
indirectly; euphemistically; in a roundabout way
1. indirectly; euphemistically; in a roundabout way
in a manner that avoids being direct or blunt, softening or disguising the true meaning
婉曲(えんきょく)に断(ことわ)った。
I declined indirectly.
上司(じょうし)に婉曲(えんきょく)に不満(ふまん)を伝(つた)えた。
I expressed my dissatisfaction to my boss in a roundabout way.
彼女(かのじょ)は婉曲(えんきょく)な表現(ひょうげん)を使(つか)って相手(あいて)の提案(ていあん)を退(しりぞ)けた。
She used indirect language to turn down the other person's proposal.

An important concept in Japanese communication, where indirect expression is often preferred over bluntness, especially in refusals and criticism. The adverbial form 婉曲(えんきょく)に and the na-adjective form 婉曲(えんきょく)な are both common.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 婉曲(えんきょく)に断(ことわ)る: to decline indirectly
  • 婉曲(えんきょく)に伝(つた)える: to convey indirectly
  • 婉曲(えんきょく)な表現(ひょうげん): indirect expression, euphemism
  • 婉曲(えんきょく)話法(わほう): euphemistic speech, circumlocution

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 遠回(とおまわ)しに: in a roundabout way — more colloquial and commonly used in everyday speech
  • 間接的(かんせつてき)に: indirectly — more neutral and analytical, often used about methods or effects
  • やんわりと: gently, softly — focuses on the gentle tone rather than the indirectness

REGISTER:
Somewhat formal. The everyday equivalent is 遠回(とおまわ)しに. Often encountered in discussions of Japanese communication styles and linguistics.

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Added 2026.4.26 20:23
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