単刀直入(たんとうちょくにゅう)

たんとうちょくにゅう
noun, expression
getting straight to the point
1. getting straight to the point, being direct
Speaking or acting directly without beating around the bush; going straight to the heart of a matter.
単刀直入(たんとうちょくにゅう)に言(い)うと、君(きみ)は不合格(ふごうかく)だった。
To put it bluntly, you failed.
彼(かれ)は単刀直入(たんとうちょくにゅう)に本題(ほんだい)に入(はい)った。
He got straight to the main topic.
単刀直入(たんとうちょくにゅう)な質問(しつもん)で申(もう)し訳(わけ)ありませんが...。
I'm sorry to ask so directly, but...

FOUR-CHARACTER IDIOM (四字熟語(よじじゅくご)):
単刀(たんとう) (single sword) + 直入(ちょくにゅう) (direct entry)

Etymology

  • 単(たん): single, alone
  • 刀(とう): sword, blade
  • 直(ちょく): direct, straight
  • 入(にゅう): enter

Originally a military term describing a warrior charging directly into enemy lines with a single sword, without hesitation or elaborate tactics.

Common patterns

  • 単刀直入(たんとうちょくにゅう)に言(い)う (to speak frankly)
  • 単刀直入(たんとうちょくにゅう)な質問(しつもん) (a direct question)
  • 単刀直入(たんとうちょくにゅう)に聞(き)く (to ask directly)

Usage

Often used as a preface before saying something directly that might normally require more diplomatic phrasing. Can be seen as slightly apologetic for being too direct.

general
Added 2026.1.17 15:48 · Revised 2026.9.2 11:55
06000/06246_tantouchokunyuu