Translation guide
The ability to say or do the right thing without offending others; sensitivity in dealing with people.
Expressing the idea of being tactful, diplomatic, or considerate in speech and behavior.
Attentiveness and consideration for others' feelings; often used for thoughtful actions.
Choosing words carefully to avoid hurting feelings or being too direct.
To choose one's words carefully; a common way to describe tactful speech.
言葉を選んで話してください。
Please speak tactfully (choose your words).
Describing someone who is tactless or says things too directly.
Unable to read the room; a common way to say someone is tactless.
彼は空気が読めない発言をした。
He made a tactless remark.
気配り focuses on attentive actions and anticipating needs, while 思いやり emphasizes emotional empathy and kindness. Both are used for tact, but 気配り is more about practical consideration.
The English word 'tact' is often translated directly as タクト, but this sounds unnatural in most contexts. Use native expressions like 気配り or 空気を読む instead.
She is always a tactful person.
Compassionate consideration; implies empathy and kindness.
思いやりのある言葉をかけてくれた。
He said something tactful and kind.
To read the room; to sense the atmosphere and act appropriately.
彼は空気を読むのが上手だ。
He is good at being tactful (reading the room).
Tactful and socially adept; often describes someone who handles situations smoothly.
彼の如才ない対応に感心した。
I was impressed by his tactful response.
Loanword from English; used in some contexts but less natural than native terms.
彼はタクトに欠ける。
He lacks tact.
To wrap in a thin layer; idiom for softening a statement or being indirect.
批判をオブラートに包んで伝えた。
I conveyed the criticism tactfully (wrapped it in a wafer).
To say indirectly; a way to be tactful by not stating things bluntly.
遠回しに断った。
I declined tactfully (indirectly).
Insensitive, tactless; literally 'nerveless'.
無神経なことを言う人だ。
He says tactless things.
Lacking delicacy/tact; loanword from 'delicacy'.
彼はデリカシーがない。
He has no tact.