Meaning
坦率 describes someone who speaks or acts in an open, honest, and direct manner without hiding their true thoughts or feelings. It carries a positive connotation, suggesting sincerity and straightforwardness rather than rudeness.
Usage
Native speakers use 坦率 to praise someone's honesty or directness in communication. It often appears in phrases like 坦率地说 (to speak frankly) or 坦率的态度 (frank attitude). The word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing someone's communication style or personality.
Examples
- 01我很欣赏她坦率的性格。.I really appreciate her frank personality.
- 02坦率地说，我不太同意你的看法。, .To be frank, I don't quite agree with your opinion.
Characters
Common collocations
- 坦率地说to speak frankly
- 坦率的态度frank attitude
- 为人坦率to be frank as a person
Antonyms
Origin
坦 originally meant 'flat' or 'smooth' (as in level ground), which metaphorically extended to mean 'open' or 'without obstacles' in character. Combined with 率 (straightforward), the compound suggests a personality that is 'smooth and direct' like flat, unobstructed terrain.