PhraseNinja

Yojijukugo

Japanese meaning of 外交辞令

がいこうじれい (gaikou jirei)

English Translation:

Polite words, lip service

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Literally “diplomatic wording”; polite words said to please someone, not meant sincerely.
日本語で読む
人とのつきあいの中で言う、心のこもっていない口先だけのほめ言葉やあいさつ。

Cultural Context:

It originally referred to the polite language of diplomacy. It is used about compliments or invitations such as “let's get together sometime” that may not be meant literally. 社交辞令 is a very close word.
日本語で読む
もとは外交の場で使うていねいな言葉のこと。「今度ぜひ」のような、本気とはかぎらないほめ言葉やさそいについて使う。似た言葉に「社交辞令」がある。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun; often “外交辞令を言う” or “ただの外交辞令だ.”
日本語で読む
•「外交辞令を言う」「ただの外交辞令だ」のように使う。

Trap for English Speakers

辞令 here means polite wording, not an official notice of a job assignment (人事の辞令).
日本語で読む
ここの「辞令」は言葉づかいのことで、会社の人事の「辞令」とは意味がちがう。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 「また遊びに来てね」は外交辞令かもしれないから、本当に行くかはよく考えよう。

    “Come visit again” might just be polite talk, so let's think carefully before we actually go.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 城主の「見事な働き」という言葉は、ただの外交辞令だと忍びは見抜いていた。

    The ninja could tell the lord's “splendid work” was nothing but polite words.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「外交辞令」 mean?

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