内輪(うちわ)

うちわ
noun
inside circle; private; family-only
society
1. inside circle; private; among insiders
Something limited to family members, close friends, or members of the same group. Often used to describe gatherings or matters not shared with outsiders.
内輪(うちわ)の話(はなし)だから秘密(ひみつ)にしてね。
It's an insider conversation, so please keep it secret.
結婚式(けっこんしき)は内輪(うちわ)だけで行(おこな)った。
We held the wedding among family and close friends only.
社内(しゃない)の内輪(うちわ)もめが原因(げんいん)で重要(じゅうよう)なプロジェクトが遅(おく)れている。
An internal dispute within the company is causing the important project to fall behind.

Literally 'inside circle'. Refers to matters or gatherings confined to a particular in-group. Often appears as 内輪(うちわ)の + noun.

Common collocations

  • 内輪(うちわ)の話(はなし): private conversation, insider talk
  • 内輪(うちわ)で祝(いわ)う: to celebrate among insiders
  • 内輪(うちわ)もめ: internal dispute, infighting
  • 内輪(うちわ)受(う)け: humor that only insiders understand
  • 内輪(うちわ)だけ: among ourselves only

Watch out

  • 団扇(うちわ) (04544): a flat, non-folding paper fan — completely different word despite identical reading
general
Added 2026.6.2 11:07 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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