遠回り

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 遠回り is read as とおまわり and means a detour or roundabout route instead of the direct way.
• Basic usage: It can be a necessary detour around construction or a deliberately longer route taken without hurrying.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Taking a necessary detour
  • 川沿いを遠回りする means going around by way of the river because the direct route is unavailable. Example: 橋が工事中なので、川沿いを遠回りしました。
• Choosing the long way home
  • 遠回りして帰る means returning by a longer route and, in the example, seeing a beautiful field along the way. Example: 急がず遠回りして帰ると、きれいな畑が見えました。