1.
frank; candid; outspoken; unreserved
Without holding back or self-censoring. Used to describe honest opinions or feedback given without fear of causing offense. Almost always appears in the set phrase 忌憚のない意見.
忌憚のない意見をください。
Please give me your frank opinion.
忌憚のない議論が必要だ。
We need an unreserved discussion.
忌憚のないご意見をいただければ幸いです。
I would appreciate it if you could share your candid views.
忌憚 means "reserve" or "restraint" (from 忌 — to avoid + 憚 — to hesitate). Adding のない negates it: "without reserve." The word 忌憚 almost never appears outside this expression.
USAGE:
A formal, set expression used mainly in business and official contexts when inviting honest feedback. Typically used by someone in a senior position asking subordinates or participants to speak freely. The phrase signals that criticism is welcome and will not cause offense.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 忌憚のない意見 — frank opinion
- 忌憚のないご意見 — frank opinion (polite)
- 忌憚のない議論 — unreserved discussion
- 忌憚なく述べる — to state without reserve
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 率直な — straightforward, direct (more common in everyday speech)
- 遠慮なく — without holding back (less formal; 遠慮なくどうぞ — please don't hold back)
- 歯に衣着せない — not mincing words (stronger; implies bluntness)