实话实说
shí huà shí shuō
Speaking the honest truth · trad. 實話實說
Someone who 實話實說 speaks frankly and tells the unvarnished truth. It describes situations where one must be completely honest, often when compelled or under pressure.
What does 实话实说 (shí huà shí shuō) mean?
实话实说 (shí huà shí shuō) means "speaking the honest truth" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "speak real words, speak truly."
Character by character
- 实 shí real; true; honest
- 话 huà words; speech
- 实 shí real; true; honest
- 说 shuō speak; say
When to use it
Chinese speakers use this when someone is obliged to reveal facts without holding anything back, even if it's difficult or uncomfortable. It implies a direct and candid disclosure of information.
Example
面对警察的严厉审问，他不得不实话实说，交代了犯罪过程。
Miànduì jǐngchá de yánlì shěnwèn, tā bùdébù shí huà shí shuō, jiāodài le fànzuì guòchéng.
Faced with the police's strict interrogation, he had no choice but to tell the truth and confess the details of the crime.
Pro tip: The repetition of 實 (real/true) emphasizes the absolute truthfulness of the statement, often implying a reluctant or difficult disclosure rather than a casual conversation.
Related idioms
神机妙算 · Divine foresight and clever strategy适得其反 · Producing opposite results十全十美 · Absolute perfection
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