zik6 jin4 bat1 wai5直言不諱直言不讳
Jyutpingzik6 jin4 bat1 wai5
Yalejihk yìhn bāt wáih
Definition
To speak frankly and without reservation, especially about things that might cause displeasure.
neutraldescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Carries a slightly formal or literary tone despite being used in everyday speech to describe someone's character. It implies a level of honesty that borders on being tactless or socially risky. While it describes a positive trait of integrity, it is often used to excuse someone who is being rude or overly blunt.
Examples
He is a straight-talker, he often speaks without thinking.
Feel free to speak your mind if you have any opinions, no need to be polite.
Related words
Common phrases
having a blunt and frank personality
Common mistake
Often mistaken for a casual way to say 'to be honest', but it specifically describes the act of speaking about sensitive or unpleasant topics directly. Using it to describe simple opinions can sound overly dramatic or stiff.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
