Japanese culture is rife with subtleties, nuances, and unspoken understandings that permeate everyday communication. Unlike English, where directness is often appreciated and encouraged, one of the most confusing and frustrating parts for those learning Japanese is 言い回し (ii mawashi). While ii mawashi is often translated as “expression” or “phrasing,” the two kanjis in the phrase 言い回し are 「言い」 “to say or speak” and 「回し」 “around.” Literally, “don’t be direct.” 

The standard explanations for this phenomenon are: 

The Importance of Harmony and Politeness: being too direct can be seen as rude or disruptive, group harmony and consensus are valued over individual expression, so people often use indirect language to avoid conflict. 

Context and Non-verbal Communication:  Japanese communication relies heavily on context and non-verbal cues. This means that much of what is meant can be understood without being explicitly stated, as people are expected to read the situation and infer the meaning.

Humility and Modesty: Being overly direct can come across as boastful or arrogant, Indirect language allows individuals to express themselves modestly and avoid drawing too much attention to themselves.

Ambiguity as a Strategic Choice: By being indirect, speakers can leave room for interpretation and avoid committing to a specific stance. It is always a way to never take responsibility, then never get blamed when something goes wrong, and thus never stand out. 

While all of these are true to a certain extent, for those learning Japanese, these explanations are not very helpful for those trying to better their Japanese communication skills. 

In this article, we will give examples of ii mawashi, to show the difference in how things are phrased, give context about the structure of the Japanese language, and provide tips on how to recognize and respond to ii mawashi.

Here are some strategies and tips for foreigners or language learners to effectively navigate the complicated landscape of ii mawashi:

Learn the Cultural Context

Knowing why indirect expressions are used will help you appreciate their importance and use them appropriately.

Research Japanese culture: Read about Japanese social norms, values, and communication styles.

Observe native speakers: Watch Japanese movies, TV shows, and real-life interactions to see how indirect expressions are used in different contexts.

Study Politeness Levels and Formality

Familiarize yourself with the various levels of politeness in Japanese (casual, polite, honorific, and humble language).

Practice different forms of speaking: Learn how verbs and phrases change depending on the level of formality.

Use polite forms in practice: When in doubt, use the polite forms (ます/です) as they are generally safe and appropriate in most situations.

Pay Attention to Non-verbal Cues

Japanese communication relies heavily on non-verbal cues and context. Body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions often carry significant meaning.

Observe gestures and expressions: Notice how people convey meaning without words.

Practice your own non-verbal communication: Ensure your body language and facial expressions align with the politeness and subtlety of your spoken words.

Learn Common Phrases and Patterns

Familiarize yourself with common ii mawashi expressions and patterns. This will help you recognize and use them more effectively.

Memorize set phrases: Learn phrases like "ちょっと難しいです" (It’s a bit difficult) for polite refusals or "もう少し考えさせてください" (Please let me think about it a bit more) for delaying decisions.

Understand passive and causative forms: These forms are frequently used to create indirect expressions.

Practice with Native Speakers

Engage with native Japanese speakers to practice and refine your use of 言い回し.

Language exchange partners: Find language partners or tutors who can provide feedback on your use of indirect expressions.

Ask for clarification: If you encounter a phrase you don't understand, politely ask for an explanation. This can also provide insight into the cultural context.

Be Patient and Observant

Mastering 言い回し takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and remain observant of how native speakers use language in different situations.

Reflect on interactions: After conversations, think about how indirect language was used and how you could apply it in future interactions.

Continuous learning: Keep expanding your vocabulary and understanding of grammar to build a strong foundation for using indirect expressions.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution

It’s okay to not know, or not understand. But when that situation arises, take a step back. 

Choose the most cautious response: If you find yourself in a situation where you are unsure how to react, choose the most cautious response. For example, if the person you are speaking to is being noncommittal, assume that they want to say no, but are not because they are trying to be polite. 

Politely ask if you are unsure: It’s better to ask a question and admit that you don’t understand, rather than make assumptions that lead to misunderstandings. This is also a good way to learn how to recognize ii mawashi in the future. 

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