Nuance Dictionary / Social Dynamics
솔직하다 sol-jik-ha-da
Honest, frank, and speaking one's mind without filtering
What does 솔직하다 mean?
솔직하다 (sol-jik-ha-da) means: Honest, frank, and speaking one's mind without filtering.
In a culture of '눈치' (nunchi), being '솔직하다' is often praised but secretly feared. It means you say exactly what you think, even if it might cause slight discomfort. 'To be honest with you' translates directly to '솔직히 말해서'.
🎙️ 솔직하다는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [솔지카다]로 소리나요 (격음화). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 난 솔직해서 가식적인 사람을 별로 안 좋아해.
Nan soljikhaeseo gasikjeogin saram-eul byeollo an johahae.
I'm honest, so I don't really like phony people.
💡 Use this when expressing personal personality traits and preferences. - 솔직히 말해서 그 옷은 너한테 안 어울려.
Soljikhi malhaeseo geu os-eun neohante an eoullyeo.
To be honest, that outfit doesn't suit you.
💡 '솔직히 말해서' is a very common way to soften a blunt opinion. - 내 단점을 그렇게 솔직하게 말해 주니까 오히려 고마웠어.
nae danjeom-eul geureoke soljik-hage malhae junika ohiryeo gomawosseo.
I was actually grateful that you pointed out my flaws so honestly.
💡 Applies when someone's blunt honesty is appreciated rather than offensive.
Related words in Social Dynamics
능글맞다 neung-geul-mat-da싹싹하다 ssak-ssak-ha-da무뚝뚝하다 mu-ttuk-ttuk-ha-da깐깐하다 kkan-kkan-ha-da까다롭다 kka-da-rop-da