Truth is the foundation of trust, and '实话' is the direct way to convey it.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to words that accurately reflect reality.
- Often used to express honesty and sincerity.
- Commonly used as an introductory phrase.
常见情境：常见于朋友间的坦诚交流、对误会的解释，或者在面对重大抉择时寻求他人建议。例如，“说实话，我其实不太喜欢这份工作”是表达个人真实感受的典型语境。
- 1近义词辨析：与“真话”意思相近，但“实话”更强调内容的准确性和对事实的陈述；“真话”则有时带有某种道德上的对比（与假话、谎言相对）。“实情”更侧重于事件的真相或内幕，而“实话”侧重于说话者所表达的言语本身。
Examples
说实话，我没听懂你的意思。
everydayTo be honest, I didn't understand what you meant.
请你务必讲实话。
formalPlease make sure to tell the truth.
他是个从不说实话的人。
informalHe is a person who never tells the truth.
基于事实，我们需要实话实说。
academicBased on the facts, we need to speak the truth.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
老实话
honest truth
说句实话
to tell you the truth
实话实说
straight talk
Often Confused With
Refers to a true statement. It is often used in contrast to 'lies' (谎话).
Refers to the actual situation or details of an event, rather than just the spoken words.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term is neutral in register but leans towards informal when used as an introductory phrase. It is highly versatile and fits most daily contexts. Avoid using it in extremely formal legal documents where '事实' (fact) is preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '实话' with '真话'. While they are interchangeable, '实话' feels more like a direct report of one's mind. Do not use it as an adjective; it must function as a noun.
Tips
Use as a sentence starter
Starting a sentence with '说实话' helps establish rapport and signals that you are about to share your honest opinion.
Context awareness is key
While honesty is a virtue, blunt truth can sometimes be perceived as rude. Consider the listener's feelings before speaking.
The value of sincerity
In Chinese culture, being 'honest' (诚实) is highly valued, but social harmony is also important. Balance is required.
Word Origin
Derived from the combination of '实' (real/solid) and '话' (words). It reflects the cultural value of being grounded in reality.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, honesty is a core virtue. '实话' is often associated with integrity and reliability in relationships.
Memory Tip
Think of '实' as solid or real, and '话' as words. Solid words are the truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“说实话”是日常表达，意为讲真话。而“实话实说”是一个成语，强调的是一种态度，即不隐瞒、不避讳地把真相全部说出来。
不可以，“实话”在现代汉语中是名词。如果要表达“真实的”，通常使用形容词“真实的”或“诚实的”。
可以，但要看语境。在商务谈判或法庭上，使用“实情”或“事实”可能比“实话”更显严谨。
如果实话比较伤人，可以在前面加上“说实话，我个人觉得……”或者“请原谅我直言……”，这样能降低冒犯感。
Test Yourself
___，我觉得这个方案还有改进的空间。
这是表达个人真实看法时的常用开场白。
“实话”是指：
实话的核心定义就是真实、不虚构。
他 / 说 / 实话 / 从来 / 不
正确的语序是主语+副词+动词+宾语。
Score: /3
Summary
Truth is the foundation of trust, and '实话' is the direct way to convey it.
- Refers to words that accurately reflect reality.
- Often used to express honesty and sincerity.
- Commonly used as an introductory phrase.
Use as a sentence starter
Starting a sentence with '说实话' helps establish rapport and signals that you are about to share your honest opinion.
Context awareness is key
While honesty is a virtue, blunt truth can sometimes be perceived as rude. Consider the listener's feelings before speaking.
The value of sincerity
In Chinese culture, being 'honest' (诚实) is highly valued, but social harmony is also important. Balance is required.
Examples
4 of 4说实话，我没听懂你的意思。
To be honest, I didn't understand what you meant.
请你务必讲实话。
Please make sure to tell the truth.
他是个从不说实话的人。
He is a person who never tells the truth.
基于事实，我们需要实话实说。
Based on the facts, we need to speak the truth.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More communication words
承认
A2to admit; to acknowledge
恐怕
B1I'm afraid that...; perhaps; probably. Used to express concern, uncertainty, or to soften a polite refusal.
同意
A1to agree
虽然...但是...
A2although...but...
公告
B1announcement
回答
A1to answer; to reply
接听
B2To answer (a phone call).
致歉
B2To express an apology formally. This is a critical term for IELTS letters of apology.
提问
A1To ask a question; to pose an inquiry.
广播
A2Broadcast.
