横槍

• Reading: よこやり
• Romaji: yokoyari
• Kanji breakdown: 横 (yoko) — side, lateral; 槍 (yari) — spear, lance
• Pronunciation: /jo.ko.ja.ɾi/

Meaning

Interruption; interference; butting in. An unwelcome intrusion into a conversation, plan, or situation by an outside party.

Most commonly used in the set phrase 横槍を入れる (to butt in, to interfere). The image is of a spear (槍) coming in from the side (横), disrupting the flow of action. The nuance is of interference that is unwanted and often disruptive — distinct from neutral interruptions. Used in business, politics, and everyday conversation to describe a third party derailing proceedings.

Examples

1. 二人の交渉がまとまりかけた瞬間に、第三者から横槍が入った。 Just as the two parties were about to reach an agreement, a third party butted in.
2. 横槍を入れるようで申し訳ないのですが、一点確認させてください。 I'm sorry to interrupt, but could I just confirm one point?
3. 社外から横槍を入れられ、プロジェクトの方向性が大幅に変わってしまった。 Outside interference derailed the project, drastically changing its direction.

Usage Guide

Context: business, negotiation, everyday conversation, politics

Tone: critical

Origin & History

Composed of 横 (side, lateral) and 槍 (spear). The metaphor of a spear thrust from the flank captures the disruptive, unexpected nature of the interference — an attack from an unanticipated direction.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal