Proverb / Kotowaza
言語道断
An expression used to describe something so outrageous, absurd, or inexcusable that it cannot be put into words.
the way of words is cut off
Quick Answer
An expression used to describe something so outrageous, absurd, or inexcusable that it cannot be put into words.
- Literal Image
- the way of words is cut off
- How to Use It
- This expression is used when criticizing behavior, negligence, or an absurd situation that provokes strong disbelief or anger. It can apply to actions that violate social norms or sense.
Meaning
Originally a Buddhist term referring to truths so profound they transcend verbal explanation, it is now primarily used to express strong condemnation or indignation. It describes behavior or situations that are utterly unacceptable, scandalous, or out of the question. While it was once used to praise something as indescribably wonderful, that usage is now rare and considered archaic.
Literal Image
the way of words is cut off
How to Use It
This expression is used when criticizing behavior, negligence, or an absurd situation that provokes strong disbelief or anger. It can apply to actions that violate social norms or sense.
Tone
Strongly critical and indignant; it carries a formal and serious weight when used to condemn actions.
Examples
罪のない人々を騙して金品を巻き上げるなど、言語道断な行為だ。
It is an outrageous act to swindle innocent people of their money and belongings.
会議中に居眠りをするとは、社会人として言語道断だ。
Sleeping during a meeting is inexcusable for a professional.
あれだけの才能を持ちながら努力を怠るとは、言語道断としか言いようがない。
To neglect effort despite having such talent can only be described as absurd.
人の失敗を嘲笑うような態度は、言語道断である。
An attitude of mocking others' failures is utterly unacceptable.
（古い用法）彼の行いは、言葉では言い尽くせないほど立派で、まさに言語道断の功績だ。
(Old usage) His actions were so splendid they cannot be fully described in words; they were truly an unspeakable achievement.
Note the positive nuance in this archaic usage.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the individual kanji are somewhat accessible, this is a formal four-character compound (yojijukugo) used in specific social and critical contexts.
言語
げんご / gengo
language; speech; words
道
どう / dou
way; path; method
断
だん / dan
cut off; sever; discontinue
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a very strong term of condemnation; use it only when a situation is truly unacceptable, as it can sound very harsh.
Misread Risk
Do not assume this is a neutral term for 'indescribable'; in modern Japanese, it implies a negative or scandalous context.
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Origin
The term 'gongododan' originates from Buddhist terminology. It literally means that the 'way' (method) of 'words' is 'cut off' or blocked. In Buddhism, it refers to the state where the profound truths of the Dharma or the state of enlightenment are so deep that they cannot be expressed through human language. Early Buddhist texts such as the 'Hokke Gengi' (Profundity of the Lotus Sutra) and the 'Keshukyo' (Flower Garland Sutra) contain examples of this original usage, where it carried a positive nuance of being 'indescribably profound' or 'beyond words.' Over time, the phrase shifted from meaning 'too wonderful for words' to 'too terrible for words,' which is its primary meaning today.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.