Meanings of 实话实说
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Podcast: 实话实说
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AI study notes for 实话实说
诚实 (chéngshí, honest) vs 坦率 (tǎnshuài, frank) — use 实话实说 when emphasizing the act of speaking the truth directly.
This idiom is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in everyday conversation. A common mistake is to use it in contexts where exaggeration is intended, such as saying '实话实说, I think it will rain cats and dogs' instead of using a more appropriate phrase.
While not an HSK vocabulary word, it complements other HSK-level words related to honesty, such as 诚实 (chéng shí - honest). Students should focus on the implications of honesty in communication and practice using it in various conversational settings.
Learners often confuse this idiom with similar phrases. For instance, saying '实话不说' (shí huà bù shuō - not telling the truth) is incorrect. Always use 实话实说 to convey the idea of being truthful.
Pronunciation of 实话实说
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Idiom spotlight: 实话实说
Component characters
How to say to tell the truth in Chinese
“to tell the truth” in Chinese is实话实说
The idiom 实话实说 (shí huà shí shuō) means to tell the truth or to speak frankly. It emphasizes honesty and straightforwardness in communication, often used when someone is expected to be candid about their thoughts or feelings.
When to use 实话实说
This idiom is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in everyday conversation. A common mistake is to use it in contexts where exaggeration is intended, such as saying '实话实说, I think it will rain cats and dogs' instead of using a more appropriate phrase.
实话实说 or something close to it
诚实 (chéngshí, honest) vs 坦率 (tǎnshuài, frank) — use 实话实说 when emphasizing the act of speaking the truth directly.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse this idiom with similar phrases. For instance, saying '实话不说' (shí huà bù shuō - not telling the truth) is incorrect. Always use 实话实说 to convey the idea of being truthful.
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Frequently asked questions about 实话实说
Yes, you can use it in formal settings, especially when emphasizing the importance of honesty.
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