Translation guide
To express your honest thoughts or opinions directly, even if they might be unpopular or cause disagreement.
The speaker wants to say what they really think, without hiding their true feelings or opinions.
Literally 'say one's true feelings'. This is the most direct and common way to express speaking your mind, contrasting with 建前 (tatemae, public facade).
今日は本音を言わせてもらうね。
Let me speak my mind today.
彼はいつも本音を言うから、信頼できる。
He always speaks his mind, so I can trust him.
The speaker wants to voice a contrary opinion or criticism, often in a situation where it might be uncomfortable.
Means 'to say clearly/frankly'. Commonly used when you want to express a negative opinion or criticism without sugarcoating.
はっきり言って、そのやり方は間違っている。
To speak my mind, that approach is wrong.
In Japanese culture, directly speaking your mind can sometimes be seen as rude or disruptive, especially in group settings. Phrases like 本音を言う or 思ったことを言う are neutral, but using them in a formal or hierarchical situation may require softening with expressions like 言いにくいのですが (it's hard to say, but...) or 失礼かもしれませんが (it might be rude, but...).
言いにくいのですが、本音を言わせてください。
It's hard to say, but please let me speak my mind.
本音 (honne) refers to one's true feelings or opinions, while 建前 (tatemae) is the public facade or socially expected opinion. 'Speaking your mind' is essentially expressing 本音. Understanding this distinction is key to grasping Japanese communication.
Literally 'say what one thinks'. A very natural, everyday expression for speaking your mind without filtering.
思ったことを言ってくれてありがとう。
Thank you for speaking your mind.
彼女は遠慮せずに思ったことを言う。
She speaks her mind without holding back.
Means 'to say frankly'. Emphasizes honesty and directness, often used when giving an opinion that might be sensitive.
率直に言うと、その計画はうまくいかないと思う。
To speak my mind, I don't think that plan will work.
Literally 'split one's belly and talk'. An idiomatic expression for having a frank, open-hearted conversation where you speak your mind.
今夜は腹を割って話そう。
Let's speak our minds tonight.
He has the courage to speak his mind to his boss.
Means 'to say bluntly/without reserve'. Often implies a lack of tact, so it can be negative if you offend someone.
Can sound rude if used to describe someone's manner. Use carefully.
彼女はいつもずけずけ言うから、時々人を傷つける。
She always speaks her mind bluntly, so she sometimes hurts people.
A formal term meaning 'to speak frankly/directly', often used in business or political contexts.
会議で彼は問題点を直言した。
He spoke his mind about the issues at the meeting.
It's said that Japanese people use tatemae and honne differently depending on the situation.
It's said that Japanese people use tatemae and honne differently depending on the situation.