Bedeutung
Honestly speaking.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is a linguistic relic of the 19th-century 'Code of Honor'. It reflects a time when a person's verbal commitment was as legally binding as a written contract. In modern Russia, using formal idioms like this can help build trust. It shows that the speaker is educated and respects the listener enough to use sophisticated language. Classic authors like Dostoevsky and Tolstoy used this phrase to highlight the internal moral struggles of their characters. Russians value 'directness' more than many Western cultures. This phrase is a tool for being direct while remaining polite and respectful.
The Comma Rule
Always remember to put a comma after 'по чести сказать' if it's at the start of your sentence. It's a classic Russian grammar rule for parentheticals!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase for every sentence, you'll sound like a 19th-century ghost. Save it for when you really mean it.
Bedeutung
Honestly speaking.
The Comma Rule
Always remember to put a comma after 'по чести сказать' if it's at the start of your sentence. It's a classic Russian grammar rule for parentheticals!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase for every sentence, you'll sound like a 19th-century ghost. Save it for when you really mean it.
Job Interview Magic
Use this phrase when answering 'What is your greatest weakness?'. It makes your answer sound more sincere and less like a rehearsed script.
The 'Honor' Connection
Remember that 'честь' is a big deal in Russia. Using this phrase shows you understand the depth of the language.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing words to complete the formal expression.
____ ____ сказать, я не ожидал такого поворота событий.
The full phrase is 'По чести сказать'.
Which sentence uses the correct punctuation for the phrase?
Choose the correct option:
Parenthetical expressions must be followed by a comma when they start a sentence.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
In which situation is 'по чести сказать' most appropriate?
The phrase is formal and sincere, making it perfect for an academic or professional setting.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
— Тебе нравится мой новый проект? — ________, он требует доработки.
This phrase naturally introduces a sincere critique.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Honor vs. Truth
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgaben____ ____ сказать, я не ожидал такого поворота событий.
The full phrase is 'По чести сказать'.
Choose the correct option:
Parenthetical expressions must be followed by a comma when they start a sentence.
In which situation is 'по чести сказать' most appropriate?
The phrase is formal and sincere, making it perfect for an academic or professional setting.
— Тебе нравится мой новый проект? — ________, он требует доработки.
This phrase naturally introduces a sincere critique.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but it's more formal. Think of it as 'In all honesty' or 'To be perfectly frank'.
Yes, but only if you are having a serious conversation. For casual chat, use 'честно говоря'.
Because the preposition 'по' requires the dative case here. 'Чести' is the dative form of 'честь'.
Absolutely! It's very common in business, journalism, and formal speech.
It's better not to. Stick to 'по чести сказать' or 'честно говоря'.
Slightly, but in a good way—like you are a person of high culture and integrity.
Usually at the very beginning, but it can also go in the middle (between commas).
Yes, 'по чести сказать' is considered slightly more elevated.
Yes, it's a great way to introduce a personal conclusion or a critical point.
Forgetting the commas or saying 'по честности сказать'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
честно говоря
synonymhonestly speaking
по правде говоря
synonymto tell the truth
положа руку на сердце
similarwith a hand on my heart
откровенно говоря
similarfrankly speaking
мягко говоря
contrastto put it mildly
