expression
frankly speaking; to be honest
Used as a set phrase to introduce a candid or blunt statement, often softening what follows.
率直に言って、その計画はあまり現実的ではないと思う。
Frankly speaking, I don't think that plan is very realistic.
率直に言って、彼の態度には少し驚いた。
To be honest, I was a bit surprised by his attitude.
More casual and direct; often used to express a strong opinion without softening.
A set phrase combining the adverbial form of 率直 (frank, straightforward) with the te-form of 言う (to say).