synonym Comparative
正直
VS
苦言
Differences Between "正直" and "苦言"
Option A
正直
Meaning
honest; frank; straightforward; truthfully
Reading
しょうじき (shōjiki)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
自分の犯した過ちを隠さずに_______に告白したことで、彼は上司から厳しく叱られつつも、信頼を失わずに済みました。
By honestly confessing the mistake he made without hiding it, although he was severely scolded by his boss, he managed to avoid losing trust.
Option B
苦言
Meaning
candid advice, frank opinion, bitter advice
Reading
くげん (kugen)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼は私に厳しい苦言を呈してくれた。
He gave me some harsh but necessary advice.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(honest; frank; straightforward; truthfully)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 正直: Refers to being honest, frank, straightforward, or showing a sincere heart without lies. Often used as 正直に言う or 正直な人. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Honest! 'To be honest, Haruka-san's embarrassed face is the cutest in the world.' ...っ, S-Stop being so honest about THAT! B-But... I like your honest heart...' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『しょうじき（正直）よ！『正直、照れてるハルカさんが世界一可愛いです』って…そこだけ正直にならなくていいのよ！…でもね、あんたのその正直で真っ直ぐな心、本当に大好きなんだから…っ。』
- 苦言: Advice or criticism that is difficult to hear but necessary for improvement. It's often given with good intentions for the recipient's benefit. Typically used with 呈する (teisu) or 呈す (teisu).
- 正直: Refers to being honest, frank, straightforward, or showing a sincere heart without lies. Often used as 正直に言う or 正直な人. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Honest! 'To be honest, Haruka-san's embarrassed face is the cutest in the world.' ...っ, S-Stop being so honest about THAT! B-But... I like your honest heart...' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『しょうじき（正直）よ！『正直、照れてるハルカさんが世界一可愛いです』って…そこだけ正直にならなくていいのよ！…でもね、あんたのその正直で真っ直ぐな心、本当に大好きなんだから…っ。』
- 苦言: Advice or criticism that is difficult to hear but necessary for improvement. It's often given with good intentions for the recipient's benefit. Typically used with 呈する (teisu) or 呈す (teisu).
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