Definition
直白 describes a way of speaking or writing that is direct and doesn’t beat around the bush — it goes straight to the point, often with a blunt or unfiltered tone. It’s stronger than 直接 (direct) and closer to 'blunt' or 'plainspoken'. You can use it for people’s personalities, comments, or artistic style (e.g., 直白的语言, 直白的叙述). Be careful not to use it for 'honest' in the moral sense — for that, use 诚实 or 坦白.
s.v.
frankstraightforwardblunt (of speech, writing, or character)
Examples
- 直白，。Tā shuōhuà hěn zhí bái, cóng bù guǎiwān mòjiǎo.He speaks very bluntly and never beats around the bush.
- 直白，。Zhè bù diànyǐng de táicí guòyú zhí bái, bù shìhé háizi kàn.The dialogue in this movie is too blunt; it’s not suitable for children.
- 直白，。Tā gěile wǒ yí gè zhí bái de dá'àn, ràng wǒ wúhuàkěshuō.She gave me a straightforward answer that left me with nothing to say.
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