How to Say ‘Honestly’ in Japanese
正直に
shoujiki ni
[shoh-jih-kee nee]
💬 Usage Tip: [正直に] is an adverb meaning “honestly/frankly.” It often pairs with verbs like [話す] (to speak).
🇯🇵 In Japan: In dating/relationship talks, saying [正直に言うと…] (“To be honest…”) can soften the directness and feel considerate in Japanese.
Phrase Breakdown
正直
shoujiki
[shoh-jih-kee]
honest; straightforward
A noun/na-adjective meaning “honesty” or “being straightforward.” In dating/relationship talk, it often implies speaking without hiding your true feelings.
正直に言うね、付き合うならちゃんと話し合いたい。
To be honest, if we’re going to date, I want us to talk things through properly.
に
ni
[nee]
to; at; in; by (particle)
A particle that can mark direction/target, time, or turn a noun into an adverb. Here it turns 正直 (honest) into the adverb 正直に (“honestly”).
正直に言うと、まだ少し不安だ。
Honestly speaking, I’m still a little anxious.
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