坦诚

• Pinyin: tǎn chéng
• Hanzi breakdown: 坦 = 土 + 旦; 诚 = 讠(speech) + 成 (complete)

Meaning

Candid; sincere; open and honest. Describes genuine, straightforward communication.

Emphasizes sincerity and honesty in communication or relationships. Often used in diplomatic or formal contexts to describe open dialogue. More formal than 坦白.

Examples

1. 双方进行了坦诚的交流，就分歧问题交换了意见。 Both sides had a candid exchange and shared views on points of disagreement.
2. 我希望我们能坦诚相待，有问题直接说出来。 I hope we can be open and honest with each other — if there's a problem, just say it.
3. 他的坦诚赢得了大家的信任和尊重。 His candor won everyone's trust and respect.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomatic, professional, relationships

Tone: earnest

Do Say

• 我们需要坦诚地沟通。(We need to communicate candidly.)
• 谢谢你的坦诚。(Thank you for your candor.)

Don't Say

• 把'坦诚'用于批评性语境 (坦诚 has positive connotations — for blunt criticism, 直白 or 不客气 may be more appropriate)

Origin & History

坦 means open or frank, 诚 means sincere or honest. Together: open and sincere.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal