솔직히
soljikhi[sʰo̞ʎt͡ɕ͈icçi]
To be honest in Korean is 솔직히 (soljikhi).
솔직히 is used to express that you are being frank or honest. The form 솔직히 말해서 (to tell you the truth) is a very common way to start a sentence when you are about to express a blunt or potentially unpopular opinion.
Meaning: frankly (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
솔직히 is an adverb derived from the adjective 솔직하다, meaning 'to be honest'.
Which one should you use?
While 솔직히 is the standard adverb, you can use 솔직히 말하면 to mean 'to speak honestly' or 'to be frank'. If you want to be more formal, you can use the phrase 사실을 말하자면.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In polite or formal settings, use 솔직히 말씀드리면 instead of the standard form to show respect to the listener.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding 말하면 (which means 'if one speaks') creates a more natural phrase meaning 'to speak honestly' or 'to be frank', resulting in 솔직히 말하면.
How do you pronounce it?
soljikhi
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, starting a sentence with 솔직히 often signals a 'social warning' that the speaker is about to prioritize truth over politeness, which can be risky in a harmony-focused society.
- The Hanja for the root of 솔직히 is 率直, where the first character represents 'to lead' or 'to command'. This implies that being honest is akin to a direct, unswerving path.
- In highly formal settings, the phrase 솔직히 말씀드리면 uses the humble verb 드리다 (to give), framing the act of being honest as a gift or a service provided to the listener.
Examples in context
- 솔직히 말하면, 그 옷은 조금 비싸 보이는데도 마음에 들어요.To be honest, even though the clothes look a bit expensive, I like them.
- 사실을 말하자면, 제가 이 일에 대해 잘 모르겠어요.To be honest, I don't really understand this matter.
- 사실은, 나는 그 영화 별로였어.To be honest, I didn't really like the movie.
- 사실, 알렉스가 그 일에서 제일 잘했어.To be honest, Alex did the best in that job.
- 솔직히 말해서, 그 영화는 별로였어.soljikhi malhaeseo, geu yeonghwaneun byeolloyeosseo.To be honest, that movie was not that good.
- 솔직히 말하면 좀 피곤해요.soljikhi malhamyeon jom pigonhaeyo.To be honest, I am a little tired.
- 솔직히 배가 너무 고파요.soljikhi baega neomu gopayo.To be honest, I am very hungry.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Jihoon are discussing a new restaurant.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨, 여기 음식 맛있죠?Jihoon ssi, yeogi eumsik masitjyo?Jihoon, the food here is delicious, right?
- 지훈 Ji-hun솔직히 제 입맛에는 안 맞아요.soljikhi je immaseneun an majayo.To be honest, it doesn't suit my taste.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말요? 저는 아주 좋아요.jeongmalyo? jeoneun aju johayo.Really? I like it very much.
- 지훈 Ji-hun다음에 다른 곳에 가요.daeume dareun gose gayo.Let's go somewhere else next time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 솔직히, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 솔직히, CC BY-SA 4.0.
