Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Indirect" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "indirect", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
間接
かんせつ (kansetsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
婉曲
えんきょく (enkyoku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "indirect" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 間接 and 婉曲.
In Japanese, 間接 (かんせつ (kansetsu)) is typically associated with "indirect" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to doing things indirectly, through a third party, middleman, or secondary media. Opposing word: 直接. Often used as 間接的に or 間接照明. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Indirect! "Haruka-san, sharing this plastic bottle... makes me blush from the indirect kiss!" ...っ! T-To blush over sharing a bottle! B-Baka! Don't call it an indirect kiss! If you are going to get so shy, next time just give me a direct vow kiss! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『かんせつ（間接）よ！『ハルカさん、同じペットボトルから飲むの、間接キスみたいで凄く照れちゃいます…』って…っ！間接キス！バカ！そんな些細なことで照れるんじゃないの！…そんなに照れるなら、次は間接じゃなくて、直接私の唇に誓いのキスをしなさい！逃げるの禁止よ！』.
On the other hand, 婉曲 (えんきょく (enkyoku)) maps to "indirect; roundabout; circumlocution; euphemism" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes expressing something in an indirect, roundabout, or euphemistic way. Often used to avoid directness, bluntness, or to be polite and considerate.. A literal translation of "indirect" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "間接"
彼は共通の友人を介して、_______的に彼女の最近の仕事の状況や健康状態について尋ねることができました。
Through a common friend, he was able to indirectly inquire about her recent work situation and health condition.
Bilingual Context for "婉曲"
彼の言い方はいつも婉曲で、真意を掴むのに時間がかかる。
His way of speaking is always roundabout, and it takes time to grasp his true intentions.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は共通の友人を介して、_______的に彼女の最近の仕事の状況や健康状態について尋ねることができました。" (Meaning: "Through a common friend, he was able to indirectly inquire about her recent work situation and health condition.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "間接" fits here because it means "indirect" in the context of: "Through a common friend, he was able to indirectly inquire about her recent work situation and health condition.". "婉曲" represents "indirect; roundabout; circumlocution; euphemism".