迂回（うかい、ukai）
- detour

The Japanese word 迂回 (うかい, ukai) means to detour, to go around, or to make a detour. It implies avoiding a direct route, usually due to an obstacle, obstruction, or other reason that makes the direct path impassable or undesirable. The act of 迂回 emphasizes taking a longer route to reach the destination.

⚫︎ 道が工事中のため、迂回してください。 Translation: Please detour because the road is under construction. ⚫︎ 事故のため、車は別の道に迂回しました。 Translation: Because of the accident, the cars detoured onto a different road. ⚫︎ 困難を避けるために、私たちは迂回することにしました。 Translation: We decided to go around to avoid the difficulty.

This word is used in various contexts where a direct path cannot be taken. ⚫︎ It can describe physical detours, such as roads or rivers. ⚫︎ It can also refer to metaphorical detours, such as changing plans to avoid a problem. The verb form 迂回する (ukai suru) is common. It can be used in formal or informal conversations. You can often use it when giving instructions or explaining situations where a different route is necessary.

迂回 is typically written in kanji 迂回. ⚫︎The reading is うかい (ukai). ⚫︎The verb form is 迂回する (ukai suru), with the verb ending する attached. ⚫︎There are no significant variations in the okurigana (the hiragana suffix).

⚫︎ 回り道 (まわりみち - mawarimichi): a detour, roundabout way ⚫︎ 寄り道 (よりみち - yorimichi): a detour, a side trip ⚫︎ 遠回り (とおまわり - toomawari): a detour, a longer route

⚫︎ 直行 (ちょっこう - chokkou): direct approach, going directly ⚫︎ 直接 (ちょくせつ - chokusetsu): directly, immediately

この道は通行止めなので、次の交差点を左に曲がって迂回］してください。 ・Translation: This road is closed, so please turn left at the next intersection and detour. ・Explanation: This sentence instructs someone to take an alternative route due to a road closure.

問題が複雑なので、一度迂回］して、別の角度から考えてみましょう。 ・Translation: Since the problem is complex, let's go around it for now, and consider it from another angle. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 迂回 in a metaphorical sense, suggesting a change in approach to solve a problem.

The word 迂回 is composed of two kanji: ⚫︎ 迂 (u): meaning "detour," "circuitous," or "roundabout." ⚫︎ 回 (kai): meaning "turn," "rotate," or "go around." Together, they combine to form the concept of going around or taking a roundabout path.