Signification
Describing a very honest and direct person.
Contexte culturel
In rural Vietnam, the horse was seen as a noble but simple-minded animal compared to the 'cunning' fox or 'stubborn' buffalo. This idiom reflects that simplicity. While directness is valued in some modern startups, traditional Vietnamese business culture still values 'Khéo léo' (skillful/indirect communication). Being 'thẳng như ruột ngựa' can be a double-edged sword. Many folk heroes in Vietnamese literature are described with this trait to show they are 'of the people' and not corrupt like the court officials. Younger Vietnamese people use this idiom on social media to describe 'authentic' content, often contrasting it with 'fake' or 'staged' (diễn) behavior.
Use it as a shield
If you're about to say something blunt, start with 'Tôi thẳng như ruột ngựa...' to warn the listener.
Not for objects
Never use this to describe a straight road or a ruler. It's only for people!
Signification
Describing a very honest and direct person.
Use it as a shield
If you're about to say something blunt, start with 'Tôi thẳng như ruột ngựa...' to warn the listener.
Not for objects
Never use this to describe a straight road or a ruler. It's only for people!
The 'Face' Factor
Even if someone is 'thẳng như ruột ngựa', in Vietnam, it's still better to be honest in private than in front of a crowd.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing animal to complete the idiom.
Anh ấy rất thật thà, tính thẳng như ruột _______.
The correct idiom is 'thẳng như ruột ngựa'.
What does 'thẳng như ruột ngựa' mean?
Khi nói một người 'thẳng như ruột ngựa', ý bạn là gì?
The idiom describes a person's honesty and directness.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Lan told her friend that her new haircut was ugly because she wanted to be honest. Lan is...
Lan is being blunt and honest, which fits the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Sao cậu lại nói sếp như thế?' - B: 'Tớ __________, có sao nói vậy.'
The phrase 'có sao nói vậy' (say it as it is) often follows 'thẳng như ruột ngựa'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAnh ấy rất thật thà, tính thẳng như ruột _______.
The correct idiom is 'thẳng như ruột ngựa'.
Khi nói một người 'thẳng như ruột ngựa', ý bạn là gì?
The idiom describes a person's honesty and directness.
Lan told her friend that her new haircut was ugly because she wanted to be honest. Lan is...
Lan is being blunt and honest, which fits the idiom.
A: 'Sao cậu lại nói sếp như thế?' - B: 'Tớ __________, có sao nói vậy.'
The phrase 'có sao nói vậy' (say it as it is) often follows 'thẳng như ruột ngựa'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsUsually no. It's often seen as a positive trait (honesty), though it can imply the person lacks 'khéo léo' (tact).
Yes, if you want to emphasize your integrity and direct communication style.
The opposite would be 'lắt léo' (devious/twisting) or 'thâm hiểm' (deeply malicious/secretive).
Absolutely. It's a classic idiom that hasn't lost its relevance in modern Vietnamese.
It is always 'ruột' (intestine). 'Bụng' (belly) is used in other idioms like 'tốt bụng' (kind).
Expressions liées
Thẳng thắn
synonymStraightforward/Frank
Ruột để ngoài da
similarTo have one's intestines outside the skin
Khéo mồm khéo miệng
contrastTo be silver-tongued/diplomatic
Nói như tát nước vào mặt
specialized formTo speak like throwing water in someone's face
