How to say "frankly" in Japanese

• 遠慮なくえんりょなくCommon
  adverbCovers 'frankly' in the sense of speaking without reservation or holding back. It frames frankness as freedom from restraint, as when inviting someone to speak freely or ask anything.
  どうぞ遠慮えんりょなく電話でんわしてくださいね。↗

  Please feel free to call me up.
• ズバリJLPT N1approx.Common
  adverb (with と)Covers the blunt, decisive side of 'frankly': stating the point directly and without hedging, often delivering a conclusion or verdict in one clean stroke. As a mimetic word it is vivid and emphatic.
• 実はじつはJLPT N3approx.Common
  expression, adverbBest for 'frankly' or 'to tell you the truth' as a sentence opener introducing something the listener does not yet know, often a confession or surprising fact. It signals disclosure rather than bluntness.
  実じつはそれはただのうわさだったよ。↗

  Actually, it was just a rumour.
• 正直しょうじきJLPT N3approx.Common
  adverbUsed adverbially for 'honestly' or 'frankly' when admitting one's true feelings or assessment, as in confessing that you did not enjoy something. The tone is candid and personal.
  正直しょうじき言いって私はクラシック音楽おんがくが好すきじゃない。かたや、モリーの方ほうが完全かんぜんにはまっている。↗

  To tell the truth, I don't like classical music. On the other hand, Molly is really into it.

Use 「遠慮なく」 for speaking freely without holding back, 「ズバリ」 for bluntly hitting the point, 「実は」 for 'to tell the truth' introductions, and 正直 for honest personal admissions.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 遠慮なくえんりょなくwithout reservation
• ずばりdecisively
• 実はじつはas a matter of fact
• ぶっちゃけfrankly
• ずけずけ(speaking) bluntly
• 包みなくつつみなくwithout concealment
• 心置きなくこころおきなくfreely
• ずばっとwithout hesitation
• ありていにas it is
• 腹蔵なくふくぞうなくwithout reserve
• 正直しょうじきhonestly
• からっとfrankly
• シャキッとcandidly
• からりcheerfully