1.
honest, truthful
Having the quality of being sincere and not deceptive. Describes someone who tells the truth.
彼は正直な人です。
He is an honest person.
正直が一番です。
Honesty is the best policy.
Proverb-like expression
彼女の正直さには感心する。
I admire her honesty.
2.
frankly, honestly
Used adverbially to preface a candid statement.
正直に言うと、よく分かりません。
To be honest, I don't really understand.
Common phrase for candid statements
正直、今日は行きたくない。
Honestly, I don't want to go today.
正直なところ、自信がない。
To be honest, I'm not confident.
正直 is a na-adjective meaning honest or frank.
FORMS:
- Adverbial: 正直に (honestly, frankly)
- Noun modifier: 正直な + noun
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 正直に言う (to speak honestly)
- 正直に答える (to answer honestly)
- 正直なところ (to be frank)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 素直: obedient, honest (also implies being compliant)
- 誠実: sincere, faithful (more about reliability)
- 率直: frank, candid (direct manner of speaking)