Use 'iwayuru' to refer to something by its commonly accepted name or reputation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to introduce a commonly known term or label.
- Functions as a bridge between general knowledge and specific topics.
- Adds a sense of objective reporting or social consensus.
Overview
- 1概要：「いわゆる」は漢字で「所謂」と書き、世間で一般的に呼ばれている名前や、広く認識されている定義を指す際に用いられます。話し手が「これは一般にこう呼ばれるものだ」と客観的な視点を導入する際に非常に便利な表現です。2) 使用パターン：名詞の前に置かれ、「いわゆる＋名詞」の形で使われることがほとんどです。話し手がその対象を特定のカテゴリーに分類したり、聞き手と共通の認識を確認したりする際によく使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話からニュース、学術的な文章まで幅広く使用されます。少し硬い響きがあるため、改まった場面や説明的な文章で好まれますが、日常会話でも皮肉を込めたり、強調したりする際に使われます。4) 類似語との比較：「いわゆる」は「世間で言われている名前」を指すのに対し、「例の」は「話し手と聞き手の間で既に話題に出ているもの」を指します。「いわゆる」はより一般的・客観的な視点を含みますが、「例の」はより個人的・限定的な文脈で使われます。
Examples
彼は、いわゆる天才肌の人間だ。
everydayHe is what you would call a natural genius.
いわゆる格差社会が問題となっている。
formalThe so-called gap society is becoming a problem.
それが、いわゆる「普通」というやつだよ。
informalThat is what people call 'normal'.
いわゆる古典文学の定義について議論する。
academicWe will discuss the definition of what is known as classical literature.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
いわゆる一つの
one of those so-called...
いわゆる～のこと
the thing known as...
世間でいうところの
what is known in society as
Often Confused With
Refers to a specific, previously mentioned item known to the speaker and listener.
Means 'so to speak' or 'as it were', used for metaphors or analogies.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral to formal in register. It is best used when you want to distance yourself from the label or confirm a shared understanding. Avoid using it if you are the one creating the definition yourself.
Common Mistakes
Do not use it to describe something that is unique or unknown to the public. It is a mistake to use it as a synonym for 'very' or 'extremely'. Ensure it is followed by a noun representing the label.
Tips
Use for common labels
Think of it as adding 'what is known as' to your sentence. It helps clarify the category of the noun you are describing.
Don't over-rely on it
Using it too often can make your speech sound slightly repetitive or overly academic. Use it only when the label is truly common knowledge.
Social consensus marker
In Japan, this word highlights that you are aligning your view with the general public's opinion, which is a common communication strategy.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese verb 'iwayuru' (to be called). It reflects the consensus of the public in historical language usage.
Cultural Context
Using this word helps a speaker show they are aware of social norms and common definitions. It is a polite way to introduce a term that might be controversial or need clarification.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Iwayuru' as 'I-way-u-ru' (I say, you say, we say). It's what 'we' all say.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「いわゆる」は世間一般で広く知られている名称を指すのに対し、「例の」は話し手と聞き手の間で既に共有されている特定の対象を指します。「例の」はより個人的な文脈で使われます。
はい、使えます。ただし、少し説明的な響きがあるため、話し言葉では強調したい時や、少し皮肉っぽく言う時によく使われます。
基本的には名詞が続きます。形容詞や動詞を直接修飾することはありません。
公的な文書や硬い文章では「所謂」と書くこともありますが、一般的にはひらがなの「いわゆる」と書くのが最も自然で読みやすいです。
Test Yourself
彼は___天才と呼ばれているが、実際は努力家だ。
世間一般で天才と呼ばれているという文脈なので「いわゆる」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Use 'iwayuru' to refer to something by its commonly accepted name or reputation.
- Used to introduce a commonly known term or label.
- Functions as a bridge between general knowledge and specific topics.
- Adds a sense of objective reporting or social consensus.
Use for common labels
Think of it as adding 'what is known as' to your sentence. It helps clarify the category of the noun you are describing.
Don't over-rely on it
Using it too often can make your speech sound slightly repetitive or overly academic. Use it only when the label is truly common knowledge.
Social consensus marker
In Japan, this word highlights that you are aligning your view with the general public's opinion, which is a common communication strategy.
Examples
4 of 4彼は、いわゆる天才肌の人間だ。
He is what you would call a natural genius.
いわゆる格差社会が問題となっている。
The so-called gap society is becoming a problem.
それが、いわゆる「普通」というやつだよ。
That is what people call 'normal'.
いわゆる古典文学の定義について議論する。
We will discuss the definition of what is known as classical literature.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
