实话实说 shíhuà-shíshuō to tell the truth
to tell the truth; to tell it as it is
How to remember 实话实说: 实 real + 话 speech + 说 say = to tell the truth.
Characters
How it is used
- To tell it straight, exactly as it is - 实话实说，我不太满意 (shíhuà shíshuō, wǒ bú tài mǎnyì) to be honest, I'm not very satisfied.
- Often a discourse opener signaling frankness, like English 'honestly speaking.' Colloquial and friendly.
- Contrast 说实话 (a shorter same-meaning tag); the doubled form adds emphasis on telling the whole truth.