Meaning
To speak one's mind plainly and directly, without mincing words.
Cultural Background
In Japan, 'reading the air' (kuuki wo yomu) is a vital social skill. Being 'ha ni kinu kisenu' is often seen as a breath of fresh air in a culture that can be overly indirect. In traditional Japanese companies, younger employees are rarely 'ha ni kinu kisenu' to their superiors. However, modern startups encourage this 'flat' communication. The 'Edokko' (people of old Tokyo) were famous for being 'ha ni kinu kisenu.' They valued being quick-tempered but honest and frank. TV personalities like Matsuko Deluxe are popular specifically because they are 'ha ni kinu kisenu.' They say what the audience is thinking but is too afraid to say.
Use it for Praise
While it sounds like it could be negative, it's often used to praise someone's integrity and honesty.
Don't say 'Kisenai'
While grammatically correct, 'kisenai' sounds like a mistake to native speakers who expect the set idiom 'kisenu'.
Meaning
To speak one's mind plainly and directly, without mincing words.
Use it for Praise
While it sounds like it could be negative, it's often used to praise someone's integrity and honesty.
Don't say 'Kisenai'
While grammatically correct, 'kisenai' sounds like a mistake to native speakers who expect the set idiom 'kisenu'.
The 'Honne' Connection
Use this phrase when you want to talk about someone who is brave enough to show their 'honne' (true self).
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
{彼|かれ}は{歯|は}に（ ）（ ）せぬ{物言|ものい}いで{有名|ゆうめい}だ。
The correct words are '{衣|きぬ}' (silk/clothes) and '{着|き}せる' (to clothe).
Which situation best fits the use of '{歯|は}に{衣|きぬ}{着|き}せぬ'?
Choose the best context:
The idiom describes someone who is honest and direct, even if it's not what the other person wants to hear.
Complete the dialogue using the idiom.
A: {田中|たなか}さんのアドバイス、どうだった？ B: すごかったよ。（ ）で、{心|こころ}に{刺|さ}さった。
The standard form is '{歯|は}に{衣|きぬ}{着|き}せぬ' followed by a noun like '{意見|いけん}' (opinion).
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{彼|かれ}は{歯|は}に（ ）（ ）せぬ{物言|ものい}いで{有名|ゆうめい}だ。
The correct words are '{衣|きぬ}' (silk/clothes) and '{着|き}せる' (to clothe).
Choose the best context:
The idiom describes someone who is honest and direct, even if it's not what the other person wants to hear.
A: {田中|たなか}さんのアドバイス、どうだった？ B: すごかったよ。（ ）で、{心|こころ}に{刺|さ}さった。
The standard form is '{歯|は}に{衣|きぬ}{着|き}せぬ' followed by a noun like '{意見|いけん}' (opinion).
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot necessarily. It describes a style of speaking. Whether it's rude depends on the context, but the phrase itself is neutral-to-positive.
It's better to use it for others. Saying it about yourself can sound like you're excusing your own rudeness.
It means silk or silk clothing. In this idiom, it represents a 'cover' or 'filter' for your words.
Yes, 'nu' is an old way of saying 'nai' (not). In idioms, we keep the old form.
Related Phrases
オブラートに{包|つつ}む
contrastTo sugar-coat something.
ずけずけ{言|い}う
similarTo speak bluntly and rudely.
単刀直入
similarGetting straight to the point.
おべっかを{使|つか}う
contrastTo flatter someone.
