Translation guide
A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt. In Japanese, euphemisms are often formed through indirect phrasing, polite circumlocutions, or specific set expressions.
Expressing something indirectly to avoid being too direct, harsh, or embarrassing.
The standard term for 'euphemism' as a linguistic concept. Used in formal or academic contexts.
「トイレに行く」は婉曲表現の一例です。
"Going to the restroom" is an example of a euphemism.
Literally 'roundabout way of saying'. Describes euphemistic or indirect speech in everyday conversation.
彼は遠回しな言い方で断った。
He declined using a roundabout expression.
Idiom meaning 'to wrap in a wafer', i.e., to soften one's words or use euphemisms. Common in spoken Japanese.
彼女はいつもオブラートに包んで話す。
She always speaks in a euphemistic way.
Referring to death indirectly to avoid bluntness.
Polite and common euphemism for 'to die'. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
祖父が昨晩亡くなりました。
My grandfather passed away last night.
Formal euphemism meaning 'to pass away', literally 'to leave this world'. Used in obituaries and respectful speech.
著名な作家が他界した。
A famous author passed away.
Archaic and highly formal euphemism for death, often used in historical or literary contexts.
Referring to bathroom needs or bodily functions politely.
Polite way to say 'go to the restroom'. 'お手洗い' itself is a euphemism for toilet.
すみません、お手洗いに行ってもいいですか。
Excuse me, may I go to the restroom?
Euphemism for restroom, literally 'powder room'. Often used in public places like department stores.
化粧室はどこですか。
Where is the powder room?
Softening the expression for being fired or laid off.
Literally 'to quit the company', often used euphemistically even when the person was fired.
彼は会社を辞めることになった。
He ended up leaving the company (euphemism for being fired).
From 'restructuring', a common euphemism for being laid off. Often used in business contexts.
不況でリストラされた。
I was laid off due to the recession.
Japanese communication often relies on indirectness and euphemisms to maintain harmony. Using direct or blunt language can be seen as rude. When in doubt, opt for softer expressions.
婉曲表現 is the formal linguistic term for euphemism, while 遠回しな言い方 is a more colloquial description of roundabout speech. The latter can sometimes imply evasiveness rather than politeness.
The emperor passed away.