간접 (gan-jeop, ganjeop) · 우회 (u-hoe, uhoe) · 돌려 (dol-ryeo, dolryeo)
간접, 우회, and 돌려 all indicate indirect expressions or actions, but each is used in distinct situations with clear nuance differences.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates something not direct but mediated through an intermediate, mainly used for information or influence transmission
When to use
information transmission, influence exertion, evidence presentation
The nuance
Used when something occurs through an intermediary rather than a direct connection.
Refers to choosing a roundabout path or method instead of a direct one
When to use
route finding, problem solving method, direct avoidance
The nuance
Used when avoiding a direct route or method in physical movement or problem solving.
Used when expressing words or actions indirectly, euphemistically, or tactfully
When to use
euphemistic expression, hiding feelings, conflict avoidance
The nuance
Used when speaking or acting in a roundabout or indirect manner instead of direct expression.
그는 간접적으로 내 의견을 반영했다.
geu-neun gan-jeop-jeok-eu-ro nae ui-gyeon-eul ban-yeong-haess-da., geu neun gan jeop jeok eu ro nae ui gyeon eul ban yeong haess da.
Reflecting opinion through an intermediary process fits 간접.
우회해서 목적지에 도착했다.
u-hoe-hae-seo mok-jeok-ji-e do-chak-haess-da., u hoe hae seo mok jeok ji e do chak haess da.
Choosing a detour path correctly uses 우회.
그는 돌려서 내 잘못을 말하지 않았다.
geu-neun dol-ryeo-seo nae jal-mos-eul mal-ha-ji an-ass-da., geu neun dol ryeo seo nae jal mos eul mal ha ji an ass da.
Indirect, euphemistic speech fits 돌려.
그녀는 간접으로 길을 돌아갔다.
geu-nyeo-neun gan-jeop-eu-ro gil-eul dol-a-gass-da., geu nyeo neun gan jeop eu ro gil eul dol a gass da.
For physical detours, 우회 should be used, not 간접.
문제를 돌려 해결했다.
mun-je-reul dol-ryeo hae-gyeol-haess-da., mun je reul dol ryeo hae gyeol haess da.
우회 better fits indirect problem solving than 돌려.
그는 우회적으로 내 감정을 표현했다.
geu-neun u-hoe-jeok-eu-ro nae gam-jeong-eul pyo-hyeon-haess-da., geu neun u hoe jeok eu ro nae gam jeong eul pyo hyeon haess da.
Emotional indirect expression requires 돌려, not 우회.
간접으로 말하지 말고 직접 말해라.
gan-jeop-eu-ro mal-ha-ji mal-go jik-jeop mal-hae-ra., gan jeop eu ro mal ha ji mal go jik jeop mal hae ra.
Speaking through intermediaries fits 간접.
돌려서 말하지 말고 솔직히 말해라.
dol-ryeo-seo mal-ha-ji mal-go sol-jik-hi mal-hae-ra., dol ryeo seo mal ha ji mal go sol jik hi mal hae ra.
Roundabout speech fits 돌려.
Which word to use when choosing a detour instead of a direct path?
Which word fits when expressing feelings indirectly and euphemistically?
Which word is used when information is transmitted through an intermediary?
