Meanings of 坦白
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Podcast: 坦白
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AI Study Notes for 坦白
坦率 (tǎnshuài) - use 坦白 when emphasizing honesty in personal disclosures, while 坦率 often refers to being frank or direct in a broader context.
Common mistakes include using 坦白 in overly formal situations when a more casual expression would be suitable. It is often used in confessions or discussions about honesty, so avoid using it in contexts unrelated to personal sincerity.
As an HSK 6 word, 坦白 connects to other advanced vocabulary concerning honesty and communication. Focus on using it in complex sentences to express nuanced ideas about truthfulness and sincerity.
Learners often confuse 坦白 with 诚实 (chéngshí), using it incorrectly in contexts that require a more general term for honesty. For example, saying '他是一个坦白的人' can be misleading; it’s better to say '他是一个诚实的人' (He is an honest person).
Pronunciation of 坦白
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Component Characters
How to say honest in Chinese
“honest” in Chinese is坦白
坦白 (tǎnbái) refers to being honest, straightforward, or open, especially in disclosing one's thoughts or feelings. It is commonly used in contexts involving confessions or when someone is being candid in conversations, often concerning personal matters or emotions.
When to use 坦白
Common mistakes include using 坦白 in overly formal situations when a more casual expression would be suitable. It is often used in confessions or discussions about honesty, so avoid using it in contexts unrelated to personal sincerity.
坦白 or something close to it
坦率 (tǎnshuài) - use 坦白 when emphasizing honesty in personal disclosures, while 坦率 often refers to being frank or direct in a broader context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 坦白 with 诚实 (chéngshí), using it incorrectly in contexts that require a more general term for honesty. For example, saying '他是一个坦白的人' can be misleading; it’s better to say '他是一个诚实的人' (He is an honest person).
Write 坦白
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Practice writing 坦白 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 坦白
坦白 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
那个自己____的瘾君子在13个月前被逮捕。
The self-confessed drug addict was arrested 13 months ago.
Example Sentences for 坦白 (9)
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Cultural Notes for 坦白
In Western cultures, honesty is similarly valued, but the approach to confession can be more individualistic, whereas in Chinese culture, it often emphasizes group harmony and interpersonal relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about 坦白
Yes, but it is more commonly used in personal conversations; in formal contexts, you might use terms like 诚实 (chéngshí) instead.
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