単刀直入(たんとうちょくにゅう)

Etymology

単刀(たんとう) (single sword) + 直入(ちょくにゅう) (direct entry)

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

The image is of charging alone into the enemy with a single sword; the phrase comes from Chinese Zen writings.

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.