Translation guide
Describes someone who expresses their opinions openly and directly, without hesitation. In Japanese, this can be positive (honest, frank) or negative (blunt, tactless) depending on context and word choice.
To describe someone who honestly and openly states their opinions, often seen as a good trait.
A na-adjective meaning 'frank' or 'straightforward'. It implies honesty without hidden intentions, and is generally positive. Commonly used to describe a person's character or speech.
彼は率直な意見を言う人だ。
He is a person who gives frank opinions.
率直に言って、その計画はうまくいかないと思う。
Frankly speaking, I don't think that plan will work.
A na-adjective meaning 'open' or 'unreserved'. It suggests speaking without hiding anything, sometimes to the point of being too direct. Can be positive or slightly negative depending on context.
彼女のあけすけな物言いが好きだ。
I like her outspoken way of speaking.
A na-adjective meaning 'frank' or 'open-hearted'. It conveys a casual, unpretentious manner of speaking freely, often in a friendly way.
ざっくばらんに話しましょう。
Let's talk frankly.
A suru-verb meaning 'to speak frankly' or 'to tell straight'. It emphasizes directness, often in a formal or serious context.
彼は上司に直言した。
He spoke frankly to his boss.
To describe someone who speaks too directly, often hurting others' feelings or lacking diplomacy.
An adverb meaning 'bluntly' or 'without reserve'. It often carries a negative nuance of being tactless or intrusive.
彼はずけずけとものを言う。
He says things bluntly.
ずけずけとプライベートな質問をするのはやめてください。
Please stop asking personal questions so bluntly.
A phrase meaning 'without reserve' or 'unrestrained'. It implies a lack of consideration for others, often used negatively.
彼は遠慮がないから、時々人を怒らせる。
He is outspoken (without reserve), so he sometimes makes people angry.
An idiomatic phrase literally meaning 'not to put a silk cloth on one's teeth', i.e., to speak without mincing words. It can be positive (honest) or negative (blunt) depending on context.
彼は歯に衣着せずに批判した。
He criticized without mincing words.
A phrase meaning 'foul-mouthed' or 'sharp-tongued'. It describes someone who speaks harshly or rudely, often habitually.
彼は口が悪いけど、本当は優しい。
He is outspoken (sharp-tongued), but he is actually kind.
To describe someone who publicly and forcefully expresses strong opinions, especially on social or political issues.
A phrase meaning 'to speak out actively'. It emphasizes proactive expression of opinions, often in public or group settings.
彼女は環境問題について積極的に発言している。
She is outspoken about environmental issues.
A phrase meaning 'assertive' or 'having strong opinions'. It describes someone who clearly states their views, often in a debate or discussion.
彼は主張が強い政治家だ。
He is an outspoken politician.
A phrase meaning 'to appeal loudly' or 'to speak out vociferously'. It implies a strong, sometimes aggressive, public stance.
彼らは人権侵害に対して声高に訴えた。
They were outspoken against human rights abuses.
Simply translating 'outspoken' as 率直 (frank) may miss the negative connotation of being too blunt. Consider whether the context is positive or negative before choosing a Japanese expression.
率直 (sotchoku) is generally positive, meaning honest and straightforward. ずけずけ (zukezuke) is often negative, implying a lack of tact. Use 率直 for admirable frankness, and ずけずけ for bluntness that offends.