Definition
直言不讳 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning to speak bluntly and honestly, without hiding the truth or using euphemisms. It translates roughly to 'not mince words' or 'call a spade a spade.' In Chinese culture, this style is often seen as forthright and admirable, though it can also come across as tactless. The phrase can be used as a verb predicate (often with 地 before another verb) or as a standalone expression.
f.e.
to speak bluntlyto not mince wordsto be forthright
Examples
- 直言不讳。Tā zhí yán bù huì de shuō chū le wèntí.He bluntly pointed out the problem.
- 直言不讳，。Tā zǒngshì zhí yán bù huì, shuōhuà hěn zhíjiē.She always speaks bluntly and is very straightforward.
- ，直言不讳。Duìyú zhè jiàn shì, nǐ zuìhǎo zhí yán bù huì.Regarding this matter, you'd better speak frankly.
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