Translation guide
The quality of being truthful and sincere. In Japanese, expressing honesty involves choosing the right word for the context—whether it's personal integrity, frank speech, or moral uprightness.
Describing a person's character as honest, sincere, and trustworthy.
The most common word for honesty as a personal trait. It implies truthfulness and not deceiving others. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼は正直な人です。
He is an honest person.
正直に言うと、それは好きじゃない。
To be honest, I don't like it.
Emphasizes sincerity, faithfulness, and earnestness. Often used for deeper moral integrity, such as in relationships or work.
彼の誠実さは誰もが認めている。
Everyone acknowledges his sincerity.
Describes someone who is straightforward and upright, often with a nuance of being earnest and simple-hearted. Less common in daily conversation.
実直な人柄が好まれる。
His straightforward character is liked.
Speaking openly and directly, without hiding one's true thoughts.
Means frank or candid. Used when someone expresses their opinion without reservation. Often used in phrases like 率直に言う (to speak frankly).
率直な意見を聞かせてください。
Please give me your honest opinion.
率直に言って、その計画は無理だと思う。
Frankly speaking, I think that plan is impossible.
Also used for frank speech, especially in casual contexts. 正直に言う is a very common phrase.
Means outspoken or blunt, sometimes to the point of being too direct. Can have a negative nuance of lacking tact.
Acting with integrity, fairness, and adherence to ethical principles.
Referring to the abstract idea of honesty, often in philosophical or moral discussions.
A traditional Japanese concept of sincerity, truth, and faithfulness. Often used in literary or philosophical contexts, and in set phrases like 誠の心 (sincere heart).
誠の心をもって接する。
Treat others with a sincere heart.
The noun form of 正直, explicitly meaning 'honesty' as a quality.
正直さは大切な美徳だ。
Honesty is an important virtue.
正直 (shōjiki) is about truthfulness and not lying, while 率直 (socchoku) is about expressing opinions openly without sugarcoating. Use 正直 for personal integrity, and 率直 for candid communication.
While 正直に言う (shōjiki ni iu) is common, using it too often can sound like you are normally not honest. In many situations, 実は (jitsu wa, actually) or ぶっちゃけ (bucchake, frankly/casual) may be more natural.
正直に言って、彼のことはあまり好きじゃない。
To be honest, I don't really like him.
彼のあけすけな物言いには驚いた。
I was surprised by his blunt way of speaking.
清廉潔白な政治家。
A politician of incorruptible honesty.