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shí 实 huà 话 shí 实 shuō 说

实话实说 shí huà shí shuō

to tell it like it is; frankly speaking

Literally: true words truly say

Beginner 💬 Speech & communication
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Origin

Descriptive; no single source story. Colloquial expression, popularised by a 1990s television talk show of the same name.

How to use it

Adverbial or standalone; positive. Often 实话实说,我…….

Example sentences

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  1. 实话实说，这个菜不太好吃。
    Shí huà shí shuō, zhège cài bù tài hǎochī.
    To be honest, this dish isn't very tasty.
    true words truly say, this dish not too tasty
  2. 你就实话实说吧，到底喜不喜欢这个礼物？
    Nǐ jiù shí huà shí shuō ba, dàodǐ xǐ bu xǐhuan zhège lǐwù?
    Just be honest: do you like this present or not?
    you then true words truly say (particle), after-all like not like this present?

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