Japanese word

間接的

Pronunciation

Romajikansetsuteki

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveindirect

Example

彼女は間接的な表現を使いました。kano jo wa kan setsu teki na hyō gen o tsuka i ma shi ta

She used an indirect expression.

Illustration for 間接的 (indirect)

More examples

その広告は間接的に商品の魅力を伝えています。so no kō koku wa kan setsu teki ni shō hin no mi ryoku o tsuta e te i ma su

The advertisement conveys the appeal of the product indirectly.

Core concept

It presents a result, message, or action through an intermediate path instead of connecting directly with its target.

Common phrases

  • 間接的な関係kan setsu teki na kan kei

    indirect relationship

  • 間接的な原因kan setsu teki na gen in

    indirect cause

  • 間接的な話し方kan setsu teki na hana shi kata

    indirect way of speaking

  • 間接的に示すkan setsu teki ni shime su

    indicate indirectly

Similar words

遠回しtōmawashi: It communicates an intended meaning through wording that avoids a plain statement.
婉曲的enkyokuteki: It presents a point in a softened form that reduces its directness or sharpness.

Definition in Japanese

目的や内容に直接向かわず、別の事柄を通して伝えたり働きかけたりするさま。moku teki ya nai yō ni choku setsu mu ka wa zu betsu no koto gara o tō shi te tsuta e ta ri hatara ki ka ke ta ri su ru sa ma

Word origin

間接 (kansetsu, "indirect") combines 間 (kan, "between") with 接 (setsu, "touch"), while 的 (teki, "related to") forms an adjective meaning "-like" or "-related."

Usage tips

  • An indirect expression often lets a speaker avoid stating a request or judgment too plainly while leaving the intended meaning understandable.

Opposites

  • 直接的chokusetsutekidirectna-adjective

Related words

  • 間接性kansetsuseiindirectnessnoun

Word lists with this word