Chinese word

耿直

Pronunciation

Pinyingěng zhí

Meaning

  • adjectivestraightforward

Example

他说话很耿直，从不拐弯抹角。tā shuō huà hěn gěng zhí cóng bù guǎi wān mò jiǎo

He speaks very directly and never beats around the bush.

Illustration for 耿直 (straightforward)

More examples

他对客户说话耿直，但很诚恳。tā duì kè hù shuō huà gěng zhí dàn hěn chéng kěn

He speaks very directly to customers, but he is very sincere.

Core concept

A person or speaking style that goes straight to the point, with little social padding or hidden calculation.

Common phrases

  • 说话耿直shuō huà gěng zhí

    speak directly

  • 为人耿直wéi rén gěng zhí

    be straightforward with people

  • 性格耿直xìng gé gěng zhí

    straightforward personality

Similar words

直率zhí shuài: Straightforward and unreserved when expressing personal thoughts and opinions.
坦率tǎn shuài: Open and frank when sharing thoughts and feelings without holding back.
诚实chéng shí: Truthful and free from lies or deception.
直爽zhí shuǎng: Plain-spoken and open in words and manner, without pretense or hidden motives.

Definition in Chinese

用于形容人性格或说话风格率直、坦诚，缺少城府或圆滑，言辞常给人直接、简单明了的印象。yòng yú xíng róng rén xìng gé huò shuō huà fēng gé shuài zhí tǎn chéng quē shǎo chéng fǔ huò yuán huá yán cí cháng gěi rén zhí jiē jiǎn dān míng liǎo de yìn xiàng

Word origin

耿直 (gěngzhí, "straight and candid") combines 耿 (gěng, "upright") with 直 (zhí, "straight"), so both parts point toward an open, unbending manner.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 耿直 (gěngzhí, "candid") can praise refreshing openness or gently criticize a lack of tact, so the surrounding tone matters.

Other meanings

  • honestadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word