Proverb / Kotowaza
言い得て妙
Describing something in a way that is remarkably apt, clever, or perfectly accurate.
to capture it skillfully and exquisitely
Quick Answer
Describing something in a way that is remarkably apt, clever, or perfectly accurate.
- Literal Image
- to capture it skillfully and exquisitely
- How to Use It
- Used to express admiration when someone describes a complex idea or situation with a single, perfectly chosen word or phrase.
Meaning
A phrase used to praise an expression or description that captures the essence of a situation perfectly. It suggests that the words are not just correct, but are chosen with particular skill, wit, or insight, causing others to admire the phrasing.
Literal Image
to capture it skillfully and exquisitely
How to Use It
Used to express admiration when someone describes a complex idea or situation with a single, perfectly chosen word or phrase.
Tone
Praising and appreciative.
Examples
彼女の一言は、まさに言い得て妙だった。あの複雑な状況をたった一言で言い表してしまうとは、誰もが驚かずにはいられなかった。
Her remark was truly iiete myo; everyone was amazed that she could describe such a complex situation in just one word.
先輩の『仕事とは人と人をつなぐ架け橋だ』という言葉は言い得て妙で、新入社員たちの心に深く刺さり、長く語り継がれた。
The senior's words, 'Work is a bridge that connects people,' were iiete myo, resonating deeply with the new employees and being remembered for a long time.
あの評論家の批評は言い得て妙で、多くの読者が『そうそう、まさにその通り』と膝を打ちながら読んだという。
The critic's review was iiete myo, and it is said that many readers slapped their knees in agreement, thinking, 'Yes, that's exactly it.'
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Combines a specific verb form with the kanji 'myo', requiring an understanding of advanced descriptive idioms.
言い得て
いいえて / iiete
having said or described skillfully
妙
みょう / myo
exquisite, superb, or remarkably apt
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a compliment; using it for your own words would seem arrogant.
Misread Risk
Do not use it for simple factual accuracy; it implies a level of cleverness or flair in the phrasing.
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Origin
The phrase is a combination of 'iiete,' meaning to say or describe something skillfully, and 'myo,' meaning exquisite or superb. The character 'myo' (妙) has its roots in Chinese and Buddhist terminology, referring to profound truths or mysteries. Since the Heian period in Japan, it has been used to praise excellence in arts and technical skills. Over time, 'iiete myo' became a set expression used to admire the talent and wit behind a particularly apt description.
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