How to say "indirect" in Japanese

• 間接的かんせつてきCommon
  na-adjectiveThe all-purpose adjective for indirect in the broadest sense — indirect means, methods, causes, or effects. When you just need to say something is not direct, this is the safe default choice.
  そのクーデターの間接かんせつ的てきな情報じょうほうしか得えていない。↗

  We only have secondhand information of the coup.
• 遠まわしとおまわしCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers indirectness in speech: roundabout expressions, indirect references, and criticism that stops short of saying things outright. Choose it when someone will not come straight out and say what they mean.
  遠とおまわしに彼かれの意見いけんを探さぐった。↗

  I sounded him out about his views.
• 婉曲えんきょくJLPT N1approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounReally means euphemistic or circumlocutory: wording that softens or veils what is meant. It is not a general word for indirect — for anything other than roundabout, softened expression, 間接的 is the word you want.

Use 間接的 for indirectness in general — methods, means, causes; 「遠まわし」 for roundabout speech, as in indirect references or criticism; 婉曲 for euphemistic, softened wording rather than plain indirectness.

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

• 間接的かんせつてきindirect
• 遠回しとおまわしroundabout (e.g. expression)
• 婉曲えんきょくeuphemistic
• インダイレクトindirect
• 回りくどいまわりくどいcircuitous
• 迂遠うえんroundabout
• 婉曲的えんきょくてきeuphemistic
• またindirect