老老实实 (lǎo lao shí shí)

adverb / adjective HSK 4

Traditional 老老實實

lǎo lao shí shí

honestly · obediently · well-behaved · dutifully

Meaning

This is a reduplication pattern (AABB) of the character 老实 (lǎoshí), which means 'honest' or 'well-behaved'. The reduplication intensifies the meaning, emphasizing complete honesty, obedience, or straightforward behavior. It suggests someone is being genuinely compliant, not trying to be clever or deceptive.

Usage

Native speakers use this to describe someone behaving in a thoroughly honest, obedient, or straightforward manner. It often appears with verbs like 做 (to do), 说 (to say), or 待 (to stay), emphasizing that the person is doing something without tricks or resistance. The tone can be neutral or slightly affectionate when describing children or subordinates who are being cooperative.

Examples

01
你就老老实实告诉我到底发生了什么事。
Nǐ jiù lǎo lao shí shí gào su wǒ dào dǐ fā shēng le shén me shì.
Just honestly tell me what exactly happened.
02
孩子在家老老实实写作业，没有出去玩。
Hái zi zài jiā lǎo lao shí shí xiě zuò yè, méi yǒu chū qù wán.
The child obediently did homework at home and didn't go out to play.

Characters

Common collocations

老老实实做人
lǎo lao shí shí zuò rén
to conduct oneself honestly
老老实实地说
lǎo lao shí shí de shuō
to speak honestly
老老实实待着
lǎo lao shí shí dāi zhe
to stay put obediently

Antonyms

Origin

Formed by reduplicating 老实 (honest/well-behaved). The AABB reduplication pattern is common in Chinese to intensify or emphasize the quality being described.