How to say "detour" in Japanese

• 遠回りとおまわりJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounCovers a detour as a roundabout way, stressing that the route is longer or less direct. Typical when the extra distance or indirectness itself is the point, whether literally on the road or figuratively.
  もし遠回とおまわりでなければポストに入いれてください。↗

  Please drop it in the mail if it's not out of your way.
• 回り道まわりみちJLPT N2approx.Common
  noun, suru verbCovers a detour or circuitous route taken instead of the direct path, often because the usual way is blocked or to avoid something. Neutral word for going around, matching the everyday road sense of 'detour'.
  学校がっこうへ行いく道みちが冠水かんすいしてしまって、回り道まわりみちをしていかなければならなかった。↗

  The street to school was flooded so we had to go around.

Both 「遠回り」 and 「回り道」 cover the literal sense of taking a longer, roundabout route; they are largely interchangeable, with 「遠回り」 emphasizing the greater distance and 「回り道」 the alternative path taken.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 遠回りとおまわりdetour
• 回り道まわりみちdetour
• 迂回うかいdetour
• 迂路うろdetour
• 迂回路うかいろdetour
• 高捲きたかまきdetour (around a waterfall, etc. when gorge-climbing)
• 大回りおおまわりdetour