N1
えんきょく (enkyoku)
婉曲
indirect; roundabout; circumlocution; euphemism
💡 Nuance & Usage:
Describes expressing something in an indirect, roundabout, or euphemistic way. Often used to avoid directness, bluntness, or to be polite and considerate. (直接的でなく、遠回しな言い方や表現をすること。相手への配慮や柔らかさを伴うことが多い。)
📝 Example Sentences
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.
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of "婉曲"!
彼は直接的な表現を避け、_______な言い方をした。
🎉 正解 / Correct!
日本語: 「直接的な表現を避ける」ことと対比されるのは「遠回しな言い方」である「婉曲」です。
English: To "avoid direct expression" is contrasted with "indirect (enkyoku) expression."
English: To "avoid direct expression" is contrasted with "indirect (enkyoku) expression."
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