Japanese Conversation · Level 106
60 words
Japanese word
脱線
Pronunciation
Romajidassen
Meaning
- noundigression
Example
話が脱線しました。hanashi ga das sen shi ma shi ta
The conversation went off topic.
More examples
会議では、本題からの脱線を避けるようにします。kai gi de wa hon dai ka ra no das sen o sa ke ru yō ni shi ma su
In meetings, we try to avoid digressing from the main topic.
Core concept
Describes a discussion or course of events leaving its intended line and moving in another direction.
Common phrases
本題からの脱線hon dai ka ra no das sen
digression from the main topic
議論の脱線gi ron no das sen
digression in the discussion
脱線を避けるdas sen o sa ke ru
avoid digression
Similar words
余談yodan: An additional topic that is outside the main subject of a discussion.
横道ōdō: A different line of thought that leads a discussion away from its main subject.
逸脱itsudatsu: A departure from an intended course, topic, rule, or standard.
Definition in Japanese
話や物事の進行が本筋から外れること。hanashi ya mono goto no shin kō ga hon suji ka ra hazu re ru ko to
Word origin
脱線 (dassen) combines 脱 (datsu, "to leave or escape") and 線 (sen, "line"), giving the idea of leaving the line.
Usage tips
- The phrase 話が脱線する (hanashi ga dassen suru) is commonly used when a conversation moves away from its main topic, while the same word also describes a train derailment.