歯に衣着せぬ

• Reading: はにきぬきせぬ
• Romaji: ha ni kinu kisenu
• Kanji breakdown: 歯 (ha) — tooth; 衣 (kinu) — clothing, garment; 着せぬ (kisenu) — not putting on
• Pronunciation: /ha.ni.ki.nɯ.ki.se.nɯ/

Meaning

Outspoken; frank; not mincing words. Describes a manner of speaking that is blunt and direct without softening the message.

A fixed expression (慣用句) literally meaning 'not putting clothing on one's teeth'. Just as the teeth are naturally exposed, the person speaks without concealment or tact. Often used to characterise someone who delivers criticism or honest opinions without diplomatic softening. Can be admiring or critical depending on context.

Examples

1. 彼女は歯に衣着せぬ物言いで、会議でも遠慮なく反論する。 She's outspoken and doesn't hesitate to push back in meetings.
2. 彼は歯に衣着せぬ批評家として知られ、業界内でも一目置かれる存在だ。 He's known as a critic who doesn't mince words, and is highly respected in the industry.
3. 歯に衣着せぬ指摘は耳に痛いが、改善には欠かせない意見だった。 Blunt criticism can be hard to hear, but it was an indispensable opinion for making improvements.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, personality description, journalism, workplace

Tone: direct

Origin & History

A classical Japanese idiom. The image is of teeth left bare without cloth to cover them — an unvarnished, unguarded way of speaking that mirrors physical nakedness.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal