委婉

• Pinyin: wěi wǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 委 = 禾 + 女 (mild, yielding); 婉 = 女 + 宛 (graceful, gentle)

Meaning

Tactful; euphemistic; indirect. Describing language or expression that is gentle and roundabout rather than blunt or direct, so as to soften the impact.

Used to describe polite refusals, diplomatic language, and considerate criticism. Common in professional communication, formal writing, and intercultural interactions where directness may cause offense or conflict.

Examples

1. 她用委婉的措辞拒绝了对方的邀请。 She declined the invitation with tactful wording.
2. 领导批评下属时，措辞往往比较委婉。 When leaders criticize subordinates, they often choose their words carefully and tactfully.
3. 这封信语气十分委婉，让人感受不到任何敌意。 The tone of the letter was very tactful, with no sense of hostility at all.

Usage Guide

Context: communication, diplomacy, business

Tone: polite

Do Say

• 他委婉地表达了对这一方案的保留意见。(He tactfully expressed his reservations about the proposal.)
• 委婉的批评比直接的指责更容易被人接受。(Tactful criticism is easier to accept than direct accusation.)

Don't Say

• 他说话既委婉又直接 — 委婉 (indirect/tactful) and 直接 (direct) are contradictory; use 坦诚 or 直率 when meaning someone is frank and straightforward

Origin & History

委 (indirect, mild) + 婉 (gentle, graceful)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal