How to say "honestly" in Japanese

• まことにもって
  expression, adverbCovers 'honestly' as 'in all sincerity; truthfully', with an earnest, wholehearted tone. A less common word, usually written in kana alone, it suits heartfelt, sincere statements rather than casual frankness.
• 正直言ってしょうじきいって
  expressionCovers 'honestly' as a sentence opener meaning 'to be honest; to be frank', preface to a frank opinion or admission. Less common than 正直, it clearly signals that what follows is candid.
• 正直しょうじきJLPT N3approx.Common
  adverbThe common word for 'honestly; frankly', used before a statement to admit your real feelings or give a frank opinion. For a plain conversational 'honestly, ...', this is the word you want.
  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 正直 for the common adverbial 'honestly/frankly' admitting true feelings, 「正直言って」 for the opener 'to be honest' before a frank remark, and 「まことにもって」 for the earnest 'in all sincerity; truthfully' sense.

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

• まことにもってin all sincerity
• 正直言ってしょうじきいってto be honest
• 正直しょうじきhonestly
• まともにhonestly