Japanese Conversation · Level 89
60 words
Japanese word
言い回し
Pronunciation
Romajiiimawashi
Meaning
- nounphrasing
Example
この言い回しは自然です。ko no i i mawa shi wa shi zen de su
This phrasing is natural.
More examples
同じ内容でも言い回しで印象が変わります。ona ji nai yō de mo i i mawa shi de in shō ga ka wa ri ma su
Even when the content is the same, the impression changes depending on the phrasing.
Core concept
Focuses on the particular way a thought is shaped in words, rather than on the thought alone.
Common phrases
柔らかい言い回しyawa ra ka i i i mawa shi
gentle phrasing
言い回しを工夫するi i mawa shi o ku fū su ru
carefully choose the phrasing
言い回しを避けるi i mawa shi o sa ke ru
avoid the phrasing
Similar words
言い方iikata: The particular way something is said, including its tone and choice of words.
表現hyōgen: The way a thought or feeling is shown through words or other means.
言葉遣いkotobazukai: The choice and use of words in speaking or writing.
文言mongon: The exact words used in a written text or statement.
Definition in Japanese
考えや内容をどのような言葉や表現で表すかという方法。kanga e ya nai yō o do no yō na koto ba ya hyō gen de arawa su ka to i u hō hō
Word origin
The noun 言い回し (iimawashi) comes from the verb 言い回す (iimawasu), combining 言う (iu, "to say") in its conjunctive form with 回す (mawasu, "to turn around").
Usage tips
- In advanced conversation, saying that a sentence sounds awkward often targets its 言い回し (iimawashi), while leaving the speaker's idea unchallenged.
Other meanings
- expressionnoun