いわゆる

JLPT Level: N2

Meanings

What is called

So-called

Generally known

As people say

Usage

いわゆる + Noun

いわゆる + Noun phrase

Explanation

いわゆる is used when referring to something that is widely known by a certain label or name, often with a nuance of skepticism or that the label is common but perhaps debatable. It signals that the speaker is using a familiar term that may not fully reflect the reality. It can carry a sense of shared cultural understanding or a somewhat critical tone about the way something is popularly described.

彼は、いわゆるエリートだが、実際は仕事が苦手だ。

かれは、いわゆるエリートだが、じっさいはしごとがにがてだ。

He is the so-called elite, but in reality he’s not good at his job.

いわゆる美人女優と言われても、演技は決して上手いとは限らない。

いわゆるびじんじょゆうといわれても、えんぎはけっしてじょうずだとはかぎらない。

Even though she’s regarded as a so-called beautiful actress, her acting isn’t necessarily great.

いわゆるお金持ち家庭でも、家族関係は必ずしも安定しているわけではない。

いわゆるおかねもちかていでも、かぞくかんけいはかならずしもあんていしているわけではない。

Even in so-called wealthy families, family relationships are not always stable.