직설 (jik-seol, jikseol) · 완곡 (wan-gok, wangok) · 돌려말하기 (dol-ryeo-mal-ha-gi, dolryeomalhagi)
직설 means straightforward and clear expression, 완곡 means soft and polite expression, and 돌려말하기 means expressing indirectly without saying it outright.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A way of speaking that expresses thoughts or feelings honestly and clearly without hiding anything
When to use
Honest talk with friends, Work instructions, Expressing emotions directly
The nuance
Use 직설 when you want to convey your message clearly without misunderstanding; however, it can sound harsh depending on the situation, so use it carefully.
A way of speaking that expresses something softly and politely without being direct
When to use
Conveying complaints to a boss, Mentioning sensitive topics, Polite requests
The nuance
Use 완곡 expressions to consider the listener's feelings or when dealing with sensitive topics, even if it sacrifices some clarity.
A way of speaking that avoids direct statements and expresses things indirectly so the listener infers the meaning
When to use
Avoiding sensitive issues, Preventing conflict, Implicit communication
The nuance
Use 돌려말하기 when it’s difficult to say something directly; it sometimes intentionally creates ambiguity to avoid conflict or soften the atmosphere.
너 오늘 왜 이렇게 못했어?
neo o-neul wae i-reoh-ge mos-haess-eo?, neo o neul wae i reoh ge mos haess eo?
A 직설 expression; a straightforward and clear question.
오늘 결과가 조금 아쉬운 것 같아요.
o-neul gyeol-gwa-ga jo-geum a-swi-un geos gat-a-yo., o neul gyeol gwa ga jo geum a swi un geos gat a yo.
A 완곡 expression; politely conveys dissatisfaction.
오늘 결과가 좀... 예전 같지 않은 것 같네요.
o-neul gyeol-gwa-ga jom... ye-jeon gat-ji an-eun geos gat-ne-yo., o neul gyeol gwa ga jom... ye jeon gat ji an eun geos gat ne yo.
돌려말하기; indirectly and vaguely expressed.
상사에게 '이 일 못 하겠어요'라고 말하는 것은 직설적이다.
sang-sa-e-ge 'i il mos ha-gess-eo-yo'ra-go mal-ha-neun geos-eun jik-seol-jeok-i-da., sang sa e ge 'i il mos ha gess eo yo'ra go mal ha neun geos eun jik seol jeok i da.
직설 expression; too direct and possibly inappropriate depending on context.
'이 일은 조금 어려울 것 같습니다'는 돌려말하기가 아니다.
'i il-eun jo-geum eo-ryeo-ul geos gat-seup-ni-da'neun dol-ryeo-mal-ha-gi-ga a-ni-da., 'i il eun jo geum eo ryeo ul geos gat seup ni da'neun dol ryeo mal ha gi ga a ni da.
This is a 완곡 expression, not 돌려말하기. 돌려말하기 requires more ambiguity or implication.
친구에게 '너 진짜 못한다'고 말하는 것은 완곡한 표현이다.
chin-gu-e-ge 'neo jin-jja mos-han-da'go mal-ha-neun geos-eun wan-gok-han pyo-hyeon-i-da., chin gu e ge 'neo jin jja mos han da'go mal ha neun geos eun wan gok han pyo hyeon i da.
This is a 직설 expression, not a 완곡 one.
돌려말하기는 갈등을 피하기 위해 직접 말하지 않는 것이다.
dol-ryeo-mal-ha-gi-neun gal-deung-eul pi-ha-gi wi-hae jik-jeop mal-ha-ji an-neun geos-i-da., dol ryeo mal ha gi neun gal deung eul pi ha gi wi hae jik jeop mal ha ji an neun geos i da.
Accurate definition of 돌려말하기.
완곡한 표현은 항상 명확하고 직설적이다.
wan-gok-han pyo-hyeon-eun hang-sang myeong-hwak-ha-go jik-seol-jeok-i-da., wan gok han pyo hyeon eun hang sang myeong hwak ha go jik seol jeok i da.
완곡 expressions prioritize softness over clarity.
Which expression is appropriate for speaking honestly to a friend?
Which expression is used to speak softly about sensitive topics?
Which expression means to say something indirectly and implicitly?
How to politely convey complaints to a boss?
