zik6 baak6直白
Jyutpingzik6 baak6
Yalejihk baahk
Definition
Straightforward, frank, or direct.
colloquialdescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Carries a slightly negative nuance compared to being merely honest or sincere. It often implies a lack of social tact or a failure to consider the listener's feelings, making it closer to blunt or tactless than a positive trait. Use it when someone's lack of filter causes awkwardness or offense.
Examples
He is very straightforward when he speaks and never knows how to beat around the bush.
Do you really have to be so blunt when you speak?
Related words
Common phrases
to speak bluntly
to have a straightforward personality
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage which can sometimes be neutral or positive. In Cantonese, calling someone直白 is rarely a compliment and usually serves as a critique of their communication style.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
