遠回し

• Reading: とおまわし
• Romaji: toomawashi
• Kanji breakdown: 遠 (en/too) — far, distant; 回 (kai/mawa) — turn, go around
• Pronunciation: /toː.ma.wa.ɕi/

Meaning

Indirect; roundabout; euphemistic. Describes a way of speaking or expressing something that avoids stating the matter directly, often to soften the message or preserve harmony.

A na-adjective and noun. 遠回しに言う means to say something indirectly or hint at it. It can describe tactful diplomacy or frustrating vagueness, depending on context. Contrasts with 直接的 (direct) and 直言 (frank speaking). In Japanese social contexts, indirect communication is often valued for preserving face, but can also be criticised for causing confusion.

Examples

1. 遠回しに断るよりも、はっきり意思を伝えた方が親切なこともある。 There are times when it is kinder to express your intention clearly rather than declining indirectly.
2. 彼女の遠回しな言い方では、何を言いたいのかまったくわからない。 With her roundabout way of speaking, it is impossible to understand what she is trying to say.
3. 遠回しに批判されるより、正面からぶつかってきてほしかった。 I would have preferred a direct confrontation to being criticised in a roundabout way.

Usage Guide

Context: social communication, interpersonal relations, character description

Tone: neutral to critical

Origin & History

From 遠 (too — far, distant) and 回し (mawashi — circling around). The image is of taking the long way around rather than proceeding directly, applied metaphorically to speech.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal