Japanese Conversation · Level 104
60 words
Japanese word
率直
Pronunciation
Romajisotchoku
Meaning
- na-adjectivestraightforward
Example
彼の説明は率直です。kare no setsu mei wa sot choku de su
His explanation is straightforward.
More examples
相手を責めずに、率直に希望を伝えます。ai te o se me zu ni sot choku ni ki bō o tsuta e ma su
I state my wishes directly without blaming the other person.
Core concept
It describes communication that reaches the point without concealment or unnecessary softening.
Common phrases
率直な意見sot choku na i ken
a frank opinion
率直に言うsot choku ni i u
speak frankly
率直な質問sot choku na shitsu mon
a straightforward question
Similar words
正直shōjiki: It presents facts or feelings truthfully without hiding them.
ざっくばらんzakkubaran: It describes an open, unreserved manner of speaking that feels informal and easygoing.
単刀直入tantōchokunyū: It states the main point directly without taking a roundabout approach.
Definition in Japanese
自分の考えや事実を、隠したり飾ったりせずに伝えるさま。ji bun no kanga e ya ji jitsu o kaku shi ta ri kaza tta ri se zu ni tsuta e ru sa ma
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese compound 率直 (sotchoku) combines 率 (sotsu, "unreserved") and 直 (choku, "straight"), expressing direct and open communication.
Usage tips
- In conversation, a straightforward answer can be clear and honest without being rude, while a blunt answer may sound harsher.
Other meanings
- outspokenna-adjective
Opposites
- 遠回しtōmawashiroundaboutna-adjective
- 婉曲enkyokueuphemisticna-adjective
Related words
- 率直さsotchokusafranknessnoun