いわゆるiwayuru“what is called; as it is called; the so-called; so to speak”

いわゆる means what is called; as it is called; the so-called; so to speak. It is a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar pattern used to express that marking a term or concept as being commonly referred to in a particular way.

This grammar point often appears in essays, formal writing, conversations, and JLPT N2 reading passages. If you want to express that marking a term or concept as being commonly referred to in a particular way, いわゆる is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural precision to your Japanese.

What does いわゆる mean?

Use いわゆる when you want to express that marking a term or concept as being commonly referred to in a particular way.

Natural translations include:

• what is called; as it is called; the so-called; so to speak

How to form いわゆる

いわゆる + Noun

Examples of the pattern:

• いわゆる「一石二鳥」だ
• いわゆる専門家

When is いわゆる used?

Use いわゆる in situations like:

• referring to something by its commonly known label

Tone and register:

• neutral; used to introduce known terms
• Common in test questions, essays, daily conversation, and JLPT N2 reading

いわゆる example sentences

• これがいわゆる「一石二鳥」というものだ。 — This is what they call “killing two birds with one stone.”
• 彼はいわゆるカリスマ経営者だ。 — He is what you’d call a charismatic executive.
• あの地域はいわゆる観光地ではないが、素晴らしい。 — That area isn’t a tourist spot in the usual sense, but it’s wonderful.
• これがいわゆる「パンドラの箱」だ。 — This is the so-called “Pandora’s box.”
• いわゆる専門家の意見も当てにならないことがある。 — Even the opinions of so-called experts can be unreliable.

After reading each sentence, ask what job いわゆる is doing: marking a term or concept as being commonly referred to in a particular way.

Nuance of いわゆる

The key nuance is marking a term or concept as being commonly referred to in a particular way.

For example:

• In context, it carries a specific, nuanced meaning that a simpler pattern would not convey.
• Compared with いわば, it carries a different weight and implication.

いわゆる vs いわば

いわゆる:

• marking a term or concept as being commonly referred to in a particular way

いわば:

• so to speak (more metaphorical)

Quick contrast examples:

• いわゆる天才だ。
• いわば天才だ。

Common mistakes with いわゆる

Watch out for these mistakes:

• Translating it too literally without understanding the nuance
• Using it in contexts where the situation doesn’t match the grammar’s core meaning
• Confusing it with similar-looking but different grammar patterns

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with いわゆる, then rewrite it with いわば. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words.

Is いわゆる on the JLPT?

Yes. いわゆる is commonly taught as JLPT N2 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

• recognize it in reading
• understand its nuance in context
• use it in simple original sentences

Practice questions for いわゆる

• Use いわゆる in a sentence about a personal experience or observation.
• Write a sentence where the nuance of いわゆる is necessary.
• Compare いわゆる with いわば in your own example.

Learning path for いわゆる

To learn いわゆる efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.

1. First, make sure you can form いわゆる without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with いわば.
3. Finally, write sentences where いわゆる is necessary; then check whether replacing it with one of the related patterns below changes the meaning.

Related grammar to review next

• ふうに — because it also deals with how things are described or labeled
• ちなみに — because it also adds related context and side information
• 上（じょう） — because it also frames things from a specific standpoint

Learn いわゆる with Hane

If you want to review いわゆる together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:

• All grammar lessons
• JLPT N2 grammar lessons