Definition
实话实说 is a fixed four‑character phrase meaning 'to speak honestly, to tell it like it is'. It is often used to preface a frank opinion, like 'to be honest' or 'frankly speaking'. It is more emphatic and idiomatic than the simpler 说实话 (shuō shíhuà).
phrase
to tell the truthto be honestto speak franklyto call a spade a spade
Examples
- 实话实说，。shí huà shí shuō, wǒ juéde nǐ de fāng'àn hái yǒu wèntí.To be honest, I think your plan still has problems.
- ，实话实说。Zài zhège huì shàng, měi rén dōu bìxū shí huà shí shuō.At this meeting, everyone must speak frankly.
- 实话实说，？shí huà shí shuō ba, nǐ dàodǐ xǐ bu xǐhuan zhè fèn gōngzuò?Tell me honestly, do you actually like this job or not?
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