坦率

• Pinyin: tǎn shuài
• Hanzi breakdown: 坦 = 土 + 旦; 率 = 玄 (dark) + 亠 + 幺 + 十 — originally meant to lead or guide

Meaning

Frank; candid; straightforward. Speaking directly and honestly without evasion.

Describes a communication style that is direct and honest, sometimes to the point of bluntness. Generally positive, implying authenticity rather than rudeness. Common in professional and diplomatic contexts.

Examples

1. 我很欣赏他的坦率，有什么想法都直接说出来。 I really appreciate his frankness — he just says whatever he's thinking.
2. 坦率地讲，这个项目的前景并不乐观，我们需要重新评估。 Frankly speaking, the prospects for this project aren't optimistic; we need to reassess.
3. 她为人坦率，从不绕弯子，跟她合作很省心。 She's straightforward by nature and never beats around the bush — working with her is stress-free.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, personal, diplomatic

Tone: direct

Do Say

• 坦率地说，我不同意。(Frankly speaking, I disagree.)
• 他是个坦率的人。(He's a straightforward person.)

Don't Say

• 把'坦率'等同于'粗鲁' (坦率 is honest directness, not rudeness — don't confuse with 粗鲁 or 无礼)

Origin & History

坦 means open, 率 means straightforward or direct. Together: open and direct.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal