Translation guide
How to express 'to tell the truth' in Japanese, including common phrases for prefacing honest statements, admitting something, or emphasizing sincerity.
The speaker is about to say something candid, possibly surprising or contrary to expectations.
The most common and natural way to say 'to tell the truth' or 'actually'. Used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a fact that may be unexpected or previously unmentioned.
実は、今日は彼の誕生日なんです。
To tell the truth, today is his birthday.
実は、私も同じことを考えていました。
Actually, I was thinking the same thing.
Literally 'if I speak honestly'. Used to preface a frank opinion or admission, often when it might be slightly uncomfortable to say.
正直に言うと、その映画はあまり好きじゃなかった。
To tell the truth, I didn't really like that movie.
Similar to 'to tell the truth', literally 'if I say the real thing'. Slightly more emphatic about revealing the truth.
本当のことを言うと、彼にはもう会いたくない。
To tell the truth, I don't want to see him anymore.
A slightly more formal or written variant of 実は, meaning 'to tell the truth' or 'as a matter of fact'.
実を言うと、私はそのニュースをまだ聞いていません。
To tell the truth, I haven't heard that news yet.
The speaker confesses a truth they might have been hiding or are embarrassed about.
A casual, conversational version of 実は, often used when admitting something personal or slightly embarrassing. The ね softens the tone.
実はね、昨日彼と別れたんだ。
To tell the truth, I broke up with him yesterday.
Literally 'if I confess'. Used when admitting something you feel guilty or embarrassed about. Stronger than 実は.
白状すると、私がケーキを全部食べてしまいました。
To tell the truth, I ate all the cake.
Means 'if I confide'. Used when revealing a secret or personal truth to someone close. More intimate.
打ち明けると、実は会社を辞めようと思っているんだ。
To tell the truth, I'm thinking of quitting my job.
The speaker wants to stress that they are not lying or exaggerating.
Means 'the truth is' or 'in reality'. Often used to contrast with appearances or assumptions.
本当のところ、彼はとても優しい人なんです。
To tell the truth, he is a very kind person.
Literally 'it's not a lie'. Used casually to emphasize that you are being truthful, often in response to doubt.
嘘じゃなくて、本当にUFOを見たんだ。
To tell the truth, I really saw a UFO.
Means 'I swear'. Very strong, used to assert truthfulness emphatically. Can sound dramatic.
実は is used to reveal a fact or situation, often neutral or surprising. 正直に言うと is used to express a personal, sometimes critical, opinion honestly. Use 実は for objective truths, 正直に言うと for subjective feelings.
実は、彼は結婚している。
To tell the truth, he is married.
正直に言うと、彼の奥さんはあまり好きじゃない。
To tell the truth, I don't really like his wife.
Avoid directly translating 'to tell the truth' as 真実を言うために or similar. It sounds unnatural. Use the set phrases provided.
To tell the truth, I swear I don't know anything.