それとなく

• Reading: それとなく
• Romaji: soretonaku
• Pronunciation: /so.ɾe.to.na.kɯ/

Meaning

Indirectly; obliquely; in a roundabout way; casually hinting at something without being explicit.

An adverb describing communication or behaviour that is subtly suggestive rather than direct. Formed from それ (that) + と + なく (without), literally 'without making it that.' Used when someone conveys a message, checks on something, or guides a situation without being obvious about their intention. Common in interpersonal and workplace contexts where directness might be uncomfortable.

Examples

1. 彼女にそれとなく転職の意思を伝えた。 I casually let her know that I was thinking about changing jobs.
2. 友人がそれとなく別れた理由を聞いてきた。 My friend obliquely asked me why we broke up.
3. 上司がそれとなく残業を減らすように促した。 My boss subtly nudged me to cut back on overtime.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, relationships, social situations

Tone: diplomatic

Origin & History

Compound of the demonstrative pronoun それ (that), the quotative particle と, and なく (the negative continuative form of ある). Literally conveys 'without making it [apparent as] that.'

Cultural Context

Era: Early Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal