These four characters combine to create a vivid physical metaphor: “to turn the curves and skirt the corners.” This action of not taking a direct path is applied to communication, meaning someone is avoiding the central topic and talking about peripheral details instead.
The act of `拐弯抹角` is deeply tied to the cultural concepts of 面子 (miànzi - face) and 和谐 (héxié - harmony). In many Western cultures, directness is valued as a sign of honesty and efficiency. In Chinese culture, however, directness can be seen as blunt, confrontational, and potentially causing someone to “lose face.” Therefore, speaking indirectly is often a crucial social skill. It's used to:
Comparison to Western Culture: Consider asking your boss for a raise. A typical American approach might be to schedule a meeting and state directly: “I'd like to discuss a salary increase based on my performance.” This is considered professional and straightforward. A traditional Chinese approach might be to `拐弯抹角`. The employee might start by talking about the rising cost of living, then mention their recent successful projects and their long-term commitment to the company, all while gauging the boss's reaction. The actual request for more money might only be hinted at, allowing the boss to offer it “on their own,” thus saving face for everyone involved. While a Westerner might find this inefficient, it's a way of showing respect and maintaining a harmonious relationship within a hierarchical structure.
While culturally significant, in daily conversation, accusing someone of `拐弯抹角` usually carries a negative or impatient connotation. It's what you say when you want someone to stop wasting time and get to the point.
The act itself can be neutral (a necessary diplomatic tool) or negative (annoyingly evasive), but the phrase used to describe the act is most often a criticism.