いわゆる

• 読み: いわゆる
• ローマ字: iwayuru
• 漢字の分解: 所 (sho) — place, that which; 謂 (i) — to say, to call; rarely written in kanji
• 発音: /i.wa.jɯ.ɾɯ/

意味

So-called; what is known as. Used to introduce a commonly known term or concept.

A pre-noun adjectival (連体詞) that modifies nouns directly, similar to 'so-called' or 'what they call' in English. The kanji form 所謂 exists but is rarely used outside formal academic writing. Always placed before a noun: いわゆる天才 (a so-called genius). Can be neutral or carry a slightly ironic tone depending on context.

例文

1. これがいわゆるジェネレーションギャップだ。
2. いわゆるエリートでも失敗することはある。
3. 彼はいわゆる天然で、いつも面白いことを言う。

使い方ガイド

場面: explanations, essays, conversation

トーン: analytical

起源と歴史

From the classical passive form of 言う (to say): 言わるる → いわゆる, meaning 'that which is said' or 'what people call.' The kanji 所謂 is a Chinese-derived literary form.

文化的背景

時代: Classical

世代: Adults

社会的背景: Educated