How to say "candid" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 正直しょうじきna-adjective, nounCovers candid in the sense of honest, truthful speech: admitting what is really the case. It foregrounds sincerity rather than directness of opinion, as when you honestly admit a fault.
- 率直そっちょくna-adjective, nounThe closest match for candid opinions, feedback, or assessment: saying what you think directly, without softening it. Typical when asking for or giving frank views on someone's work or behavior.
- na-adjectiveFrankness as a personal manner: open and easygoing, with nothing stiff or reserved. Suits describing a person or atmosphere that feels approachable rather than a carefully weighed candid statement.
- no-adjective, adverbCandid as in telling something exactly as it is, undisguised and unembellished; usually written in kana. Fits an account that gives the plain, bare truth rather than a polished version.
- 気さくきさくna-adjectiveSeldom the word you want for candid: it really describes a friendly, sociable, approachable personality. Use it only where candid means open and unreserved in manner rather than frank in speech.
Choose 率直 for candid opinions or feedback, 正直 for honest truth-telling, 「フランク」 for an easygoing open manner, 「ありのまま」 for telling things exactly as they are, and 「気さく」 only for a friendly personality.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 正直しょうじきhonest
- 率直そっちょくfrank
- フランクfrank
- ありのままas it is
- 気さくきさくfriendly
- あからさまplain
- ざっくばらんfrank
- 諤々がくがくoutspoken
- 忌憚のないきたんのないunrestrained
- あきらさまplain
- 虚心坦懐きょしんたんかいwith an open and calm mind
- 飾り気のないかざりけのないplain
- あるがままas it is
- 淡白たんぱくfrank
- ストレートstraightforward
- 直ちょくhonest
- さばさばfrank
- 開けっぴろげあけっぴろげfrank
- 赤裸々せきららunvarnished (e.g. truth)
- 赤裸せきらunvarnished (e.g. truth)
See also
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