正直に
shōjiki ni
To say honestly in Japanese, use 正直に (shōjiki ni).
正直に is used as an adverb to mean frankly or honestly, describing the manner in which someone speaks or acts. For an informal way to say "the truth is" or "to tell you the truth", you can use 本当のところ.
Meaning: (speech act) frankly (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 正直に is formed by taking the na-adjective 正直 (honest) and adding the particle に to create an adverb.
Which one should you use?
正直に is used to describe the manner of an action, such as speaking or answering honestly. In contrast, the word まったく is used as an interjection to express exasperation or dismay, similar to saying "Honestly!" or "Really!" when frustrated.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, people often use ほんま instead of 本当に to express honesty in a casual way.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 正直に is used to modify verbs, such as 答える (to answer).
How do you pronounce it?
shōjiki ni
Did you know?
- The kanji for 'honesty' in 正直 are 'correct' (正) and 'straight' (直), implying that being honest is not just about truth, but about having a perfectly straight and unbending moral character.
- The word 正直 was historically used in Buddhist contexts to describe a state of being 'straight' or 'true' in one's spiritual path before it became a general term for honesty.
- Even though 正直に means 'honestly', in many polite social situations, Japanese culture encourages using more indirect language rather than being 'too honest', which can be seen as rude.
Examples in context
- あなたは正直に答えなければなりません。You must answer honestly.This sentence shows how to use 正直に to modify a verb.Tatoeba #231801 by bunbuku, translation #69168 by CM
- 「先生、正直に答えてください。由美はとても悪い状態なんですね？」「ま、そう言っていいと思う」"Doctor, please answer me honestly. Yumi's in very bad shape, isn't she?" "Well, I guess you could say that."This example shows a dialogue using 正直に to ask for a frank answer.Tatoeba #10657512 by Kaede, translation #10765304 by end
- 本当に申し訳ありません。I'm truly sorry.
- 本当のところ、明日の予定はまだ決めていないよ。To tell you the truth, I haven't decided on my plans for tomorrow yet.
- 正直に言ってもいいですか？shōjiki ni itte mo ii desu ka?May I speak honestly?
Example conversation
A daughter asking her father for advice about a mistake.
- 陽葵 Himariお父さん、正直に言ってもいい？otōsan, shōjiki ni itte mo ii?Dad, can I speak honestly?
- 大翔 Hirotoいいよ、正直に話しなさい。ii yo, shōjiki ni hanashinasai.Sure, tell me honestly.
- 陽葵 Himari実は、テストで悪い点を取りました。jitsu wa, tesuto de warui ten o torimashita.Actually, I got a bad grade on the test.
- 大翔 Hiroto正直に話してくれて嬉しいよ。shōjiki ni hanashite kurete ureshii yo.I'm happy that you told me honestly.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
