'솔직히 말해서' — Speaking Frankly
Master the art of honest, direct expression in Korean — knowing when and how to say what you really mean.
Iru Helper Note
솔직히 말해서 signals that you're about to say something more candid than usual. In Korean, this marker matters — it signals trust, directness, and willingness to be genuine.
솔직히 말해서, 저는 그 생각에 동의하지 않아요.
(Honestly speaking, I don't agree with that thought.)
💬 What You'll Learn Today
Korean communication often operates on layers of politeness and indirection. 솔직히 말해서 and its related expressions are how speakers signal they are stepping outside that layer — choosing to speak directly and honestly. Learning these expressions gives you the vocabulary to share genuine opinions, offer candid feedback, and have more authentic conversations in Korean.
📌 Expressions for Speaking Frankly
Expression | Meaning | Notes |
솔직히 말해서 | Honestly speaking / To be frank | The most common frank-speech marker |
솔직히 말하면 | If I'm being honest | Slightly more conditional feel |
사실대로 말하면 | To tell it as it is / To state the truth | More factual emphasis |
솔직히 | Honestly / Frankly | Short version; casual usage |
진심으로 말하면 | If I'm being sincere / From the heart | Adds emotional weight |
터놓고 얘기하면 | If we're being open / Laying it out there | Signals mutual candor |
거짓말 없이 | Without any lies / Honestly | Emphatic honesty marker |
제 솔직한 생각은 | My honest thought is | Introduces a personal frank opinion |
있는 그대로 말하면 | Saying it as it is | No sugar-coating version |
가감 없이 말하면 | Without embellishment | Direct, unfiltered statement |
그냥 솔직하게 | Just honestly / Straight up | Casual, direct speech opener |
눈치 보지 않고 | Without worrying about how it looks | Signals dropping social caution |
솔직히 좀 불편했어요 | Honestly, I was a bit uncomfortable | Common real-life usage |
솔직히 잘 모르겠어요 | Honestly, I'm not really sure | Candid expression of uncertainty |
💡 Key pattern: 솔직히 말해서 + [frank statement] is the go-to opener for honest opinions. 제 솔직한 생각은 + [opinion] is used when you want to flag that what follows is genuinely personal. 있는 그대로 말하면 signals you're skipping all diplomatic softening.
💬 Conversations in Action
Dialogue 1 — Giving Honest Feedback
A: 제 발표 어땠어요? (How was my presentation?)
B: 솔직히 말해서, 내용은 좋았는데 목소리가 좀 작았어요. (Honestly speaking, the content was good, but your voice was a bit quiet.)
A: 아, 진짜요? 솔직하게 말해줘서 고마워요. (Oh really? Thanks for telling me honestly.)
B: 제 솔직한 생각은 조금 더 연습하면 훨씬 좋아질 거예요. (My honest thought is that with a bit more practice, it'll be much better.)
Dialogue 2 — Sharing a Frank Opinion
A: 솔직히, 이 계획 마음에 들어요? (Honestly, do you like this plan?)
B: 터놓고 얘기하면 — 몇 가지 걱정이 있어요. (If we're being open — I have a few concerns.)
A: 있는 그대로 말해줘요. 괜찮아요. (Say it as it is. It's okay.)
B: 솔직히 좀 무리한 일정인 것 같아요. 가감 없이 말하면요. (Honestly, I think the timeline is a bit unrealistic. Without embellishment.)
🌏 Cultural Note — When Koreans Go Frank
Korean communication defaults to indirection, face-saving, and reading between the lines (눈치). Using 솔직히 말해서 is therefore a marked act — it signals that the speaker values authenticity in this moment over social smoothness. In close relationships, being 솔직한 (frank) is seen as a sign of deep trust. In professional settings, preface frank feedback with 솔직히 말씀드리면 to show respect while still being candid. Going straight to criticism without a frank-speech marker can feel more rude than the honest content itself.
<summary>Try This Speaking Exercise
Practice expressing honest opinions using frank-speech expressions.
A. Say "Honestly speaking, I prefer this one" in Korean.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 말해서, 저는 이게 더 좋아요. (Honestly speaking, I like this one better.)
</summary>
B. Use 제 솔직한 생각은 to share an honest opinion about a plan.
<summary>Answer
제 솔직한 생각은 이 계획이 좀 어려울 것 같아요. (My honest thought is that this plan seems a bit difficult.)
</summary>
C. Use 있는 그대로 말하면 to describe a situation without softening it.
<summary>Answer
있는 그대로 말하면, 지금 상황이 좋지 않아요. (Saying it as it is, the situation isn't good right now.)
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D. Use 솔직히 좀 불편했어요 to honestly express mild discomfort.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 좀 불편했어요. 그 말이 마음에 걸렸어요. (Honestly, I was a bit uncomfortable. That comment stayed with me.)
</summary>
E. Use 터놓고 얘기하면 to open a candid conversation.
<summary>Answer
터놓고 얘기하면, 저도 요즘 힘들어요. (If we're being open, I've been struggling lately too.)
</summary>
F. Use 솔직히 잘 모르겠어요 to honestly express uncertainty.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 잘 모르겠어요. 아직 결정을 못 했어요. (Honestly, I'm not really sure. I haven't made a decision yet.)
</summary>
G. Use 가감 없이 말하면 to give unfiltered feedback.
<summary>Answer
가감 없이 말하면, 이 디자인은 좀 더 단순해야 해요. (Without embellishment, this design needs to be a bit simpler.)
</summary>
H. Use 눈치 보지 않고 to say you're speaking without social caution.
<summary>Answer
눈치 보지 않고 말하면, 저는 그 의견에 반대예요. (Speaking without worrying how it looks, I'm against that opinion.)
</summary>
I. Use 진심으로 말하면 to add emotional sincerity to your statement.
<summary>Answer
진심으로 말하면, 정말 감사하게 생각해요. (If I'm being sincere, I'm genuinely grateful.)
</summary>
J. Use 그냥 솔직하게 to open a casual frank statement.
<summary>Answer
그냥 솔직하게 — 오늘 좀 지쳤어요. (Just honestly — I'm a bit drained today.)
</summary>
Expression Reference
Expression | Weight |
솔직히 말해서 | Standard frank opener |
솔직히 말하면 | Slightly conditional |
제 솔직한 생각은 | Personal opinion signal |
있는 그대로 말하면 | No sugar-coating |
가감 없이 말하면 | Unfiltered |
터놓고 얘기하면 | Mutual candor |
진심으로 말하면 | From the heart |
눈치 보지 않고 | Drop social caution |
솔직히 좀 불편했어요 | Mild discomfort |
솔직히 잘 모르겠어요 | Frank uncertainty |
Tip: Frank ≠ Rude
Using 솔직히 말해서 doesn't mean saying harsh things — it means being genuine. Korean speakers often combine frank expressions with softeners: 솔직히 말해서, 조금 걱정이 돼요 sounds caring, not critical. The key is the opener signals sincerity, not bluntness.
</summary>
Want more reps?
Think of three topics where you actually have a real opinion — food, a recent experience, a plan — and practice stating your view using a different frank-speech opener each time. The goal is to make honest expression feel natural, not forced.
📦 Practice Hub — Speaking Frankly (솔직히 말해서)
Exercise 1 — Choose the Right Expression
Choose the most appropriate frank-speech expression for each situation.
A. You want to open with the standard honest speech marker before giving feedback.
1) 터놓고 얘기하면 2) 솔직히 말해서 3) 눈치 보지 않고 4) 가감 없이 말하면
<summary>Answer
2) 솔직히 말해서 — the most common and versatile frank opener.
B. You want to share a personal honest opinion on a topic.
1) 있는 그대로 말하면 2) 솔직히 3) 제 솔직한 생각은 4) 거짓말 없이
<summary>Answer
3) 제 솔직한 생각은 — specifically introduces a personal honest view.
C. You want to describe a situation completely without softening it.
1) 진심으로 말하면 2) 있는 그대로 말하면 3) 솔직히 좀 불편했어요 4) 그냥 솔직하게
<summary>Answer
2) 있는 그대로 말하면 — "saying it exactly as it is," no filter.
D. You and a close friend both want to be fully open about something sensitive.
1) 가감 없이 말하면 2) 사실대로 말하면 3) 터놓고 얘기하면 4) 눈치 보지 않고
<summary>Answer
3) 터놓고 얘기하면 — signals mutual openness and candor between two people.
E. You want to add emotional sincerity to a thank-you.
1) 솔직히 말해서 2) 진심으로 말하면 3) 그냥 솔직하게 4) 있는 그대로 말하면
<summary>Answer
2) 진심으로 말하면 — adds a heartfelt, sincere quality.
F. You're honestly not sure about something and want to say so plainly.
1) 솔직히 잘 모르겠어요 2) 있는 그대로 말하면 3) 가감 없이 말하면 4) 터놓고 얘기하면
<summary>Answer
1) 솔직히 잘 모르겠어요 — the natural frank expression of genuine uncertainty.
G. You want to give completely unfiltered professional feedback.
1) 그냥 솔직하게 2) 진심으로 말하면 3) 가감 없이 말하면 4) 솔직히 좀 불편했어요
<summary>Answer
3) 가감 없이 말하면 — "without addition or subtraction," i.e., unfiltered feedback.
H. You want to express mild discomfort honestly.
1) 솔직히 좀 불편했어요 2) 있는 그대로 말하면 3) 사실대로 말하면 4) 거짓말 없이
<summary>Answer
1) 솔직히 좀 불편했어요 — natural, mild, honest discomfort expression.
I. You want to drop social caution and speak freely.
1) 진심으로 말하면 2) 제 솔직한 생각은 3) 눈치 보지 않고 4) 솔직히 말하면
<summary>Answer
3) 눈치 보지 않고 — specifically signals dropping social caution.
J. You want a casual, direct opening before a frank statement.
1) 가감 없이 말하면 2) 그냥 솔직하게 3) 사실대로 말하면 4) 있는 그대로 말하면
<summary>Answer
2) 그냥 솔직하게 — the most casual, natural-sounding frank opener.
Quick Reference
Expression | Weight |
솔직히 말해서 | Standard opener |
제 솔직한 생각은 | Personal opinion |
있는 그대로 말하면 | No filter |
터놓고 얘기하면 | Mutual candor |
진심으로 말하면 | Heartfelt |
솔직히 잘 모르겠어요 | Frank uncertainty |
가감 없이 말하면 | Unfiltered |
눈치 보지 않고 | Drop social caution |
솔직히 좀 불편했어요 | Mild discomfort |
그냥 솔직하게 | Casual direct |
Pitfall: Blunt Without a Bridge
Using frank expressions without any softener can come across as harsh in Korean. Add a brief acknowledgment first — 솔직히 말해서, 내용은 좋았는데... — to show you noticed what was good before noting what wasn't. The opener softens, the honesty follows.
Exercise 2 — Korean → English Translation
Translate each sentence naturally into English.
A. 솔직히 말해서, 저는 이 방법이 더 효율적인 것 같아요.
<summary>Answer
Honestly speaking, I think this method is more efficient.
B. 제 솔직한 생각은 그 계획이 좀 무리인 것 같아요.
<summary>Answer
My honest thought is that the plan seems a bit unrealistic.
C. 솔직히 좀 불편했어요. 그 말이 신경 쓰였거든요.
<summary>Answer
Honestly, I was a bit uncomfortable. That comment bothered me.
D. 있는 그대로 말하면, 지금 준비가 덜 된 것 같아요.
<summary>Answer
Saying it as it is, I don't think we're quite ready yet.
E. 터놓고 얘기하면, 저도 걱정이 많아요.
<summary>Answer
If we're being open, I have a lot of concerns too.
F. 솔직히 잘 모르겠어요. 더 생각해봐야 할 것 같아요.
<summary>Answer
Honestly, I'm not really sure. I think I need to think about it more.
G. 가감 없이 말하면, 발표가 조금 길었어요.
<summary>Answer
Without embellishment, the presentation was a bit long.
H. 진심으로 말하면, 정말 많이 배웠어요.
<summary>Answer
If I'm being sincere, I really learned a lot.
I. 눈치 보지 않고 말하면, 저는 반대예요.
<summary>Answer
Speaking without worrying how it looks, I'm against it.
J. 그냥 솔직하게 — 오늘 정말 힘들었어요.
<summary>Answer
Just honestly — today was really tough.
Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
Word | Meaning |
효율적 | efficient |
무리 | unrealistic / overdoing it |
불편하다 | uncomfortable |
신경 쓰이다 | to bother / to be on one's mind |
준비 | preparation |
걱정 | worry / concern |
가감 없이 | without addition or subtraction |
눈치 보다 | to watch for social cues / to worry about how things look |
Grammar Tip: ~말하면 vs. ~말해서
솔직히 말하면 (if I'm being honest) has a slightly more conditional, tentative feel. 솔직히 말해서 (honestly speaking) is a more complete, committed opener. Both are correct — 말해서 sounds slightly more confident and direct in most contexts.
Exercise 3 — Complete the Sentence
Fill in the blank with the correct frank-speech expression.
A. 이 디자인 어때요? __, 좀 더 단순하면 좋겠어요.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 말해서 — 솔직히 말해서, 좀 더 단순하면 좋겠어요.
B. __ 이 방법이 더 오래 걸릴 것 같아요.
<summary>Answer
제 솔직한 생각은 — 제 솔직한 생각은 이 방법이 더 오래 걸릴 것 같아요.
C. __, 지금 상황이 좋지 않아요. 솔직히 말할게요.
<summary>Answer
있는 그대로 말하면 — 있는 그대로 말하면, 지금 상황이 좋지 않아요.
D. __ — 저도 그 결정이 걱정돼요.
<summary>Answer
터놓고 얘기하면 — 터놓고 얘기하면, 저도 그 결정이 걱정돼요.
E. __ 그게 뭔지 아직 잘 몰라요.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 잘 모르겠어요 — 솔직히 잘 모르겠어요, 그게 뭔지 아직 잘 몰라요.
F. __, 그 발표가 좀 지루했어요.
<summary>Answer
가감 없이 말하면 — 가감 없이 말하면, 그 발표가 좀 지루했어요.
G. __, 정말 감사하게 생각해요.
<summary>Answer
진심으로 말하면 — 진심으로 말하면, 정말 감사하게 생각해요.
H. __ 말하면, 저는 동의하지 않아요.
<summary>Answer
눈치 보지 않고 — 눈치 보지 않고 말하면, 저는 동의하지 않아요.
I. __ 오늘 회의가 좀 힘들었어요.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 좀 불편했어요 / 그냥 솔직하게 — 그냥 솔직하게 — 오늘 회의가 좀 힘들었어요.
J. __ — 저도 지쳤어요. 쉬고 싶어요.
<summary>Answer
그냥 솔직하게 — 그냥 솔직하게 — 저도 지쳤어요. 쉬고 싶어요.
Sentence Starters
Starter | Use |
솔직히 말해서, | Standard frank open |
제 솔직한 생각은 | Personal view |
있는 그대로 말하면, | No sugar-coating |
터놓고 얘기하면, | Mutual openness |
솔직히 잘 모르겠어요 | Frank uncertainty |
가감 없이 말하면, | Unfiltered |
진심으로 말하면, | Sincere / heartfelt |
눈치 보지 않고 | Drop social caution |
그냥 솔직하게 | Casual direct |
Production Tip: Add a Softener
Even frank expressions benefit from a light softener in Korean. Try: 솔직히 말해서, 조금... (honestly speaking, a bit...) or 제 솔직한 생각은, 이렇게 하면 어떨까요? (my honest thought is, what if we did it this way?). This keeps you genuine without seeming harsh.
Exercise 4 — Dialogue Completion
Complete each dialogue using the right frank expression.
A. A: 제 아이디어 어때요? B: __, 조금 더 구체적이었으면 좋겠어요.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 말해서 — 솔직히 말해서, 조금 더 구체적이었으면 좋겠어요.
B. A: 이 계획 어떻게 생각해요? B: __ 위험 요소가 있어요.
<summary>Answer
제 솔직한 생각은 — 제 솔직한 생각은 위험 요소가 있어요.
C. A: 요즘 어때요? B: __ — 요즘 많이 지쳐요.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 / 그냥 솔직하게 — 그냥 솔직하게 — 요즘 많이 지쳐요.
D. A: 어떻게 생각해요? B: __, 저도 걱정이 있어요.
<summary>Answer
터놓고 얘기하면 — 터놓고 얘기하면, 저도 걱정이 있어요.
E. A: 결정했어요? B: __ 아직 잘 모르겠어요.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 잘 모르겠어요 — 솔직히 잘 모르겠어요, 아직 생각 중이에요.
F. A: 발표 잘 됐어요? B: __, 좀 긴장했어요.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 말해서 — 솔직히 말해서, 좀 긴장했어요.
G. A: 디자인 맘에 들어요? B: __, 색이 좀 강한 것 같아요.
<summary>Answer
가감 없이 말하면 — 가감 없이 말하면, 색이 좀 강한 것 같아요.
H. A: 그때 왜 말 안 했어요? B: __ 말하기가 조금 어려웠어요.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 좀 불편했어요 / 솔직히 — 솔직히, 말하기가 조금 어려웠어요.
I. A: 정말 감사해요. B: __, 제가 더 감사해요.
<summary>Answer
진심으로 말하면 — 진심으로 말하면, 제가 더 감사해요.
J. A: 반대해요? B: __ — 네, 그래요.
<summary>Answer
눈치 보지 않고 말하면 — 눈치 보지 않고 말하면 — 네, 반대예요.
Useful Phrases
Expression | Role |
솔직히 말해서 | Standard frank open |
제 솔직한 생각은 | Personal opinion |
있는 그대로 말하면 | No filter |
터놓고 얘기하면 | Mutual candor |
솔직히 잘 모르겠어요 | Honest uncertainty |
가감 없이 말하면 | Unfiltered feedback |
진심으로 말하면 | Heartfelt sincerity |
눈치 보지 않고 | Drop social caution |
그냥 솔직하게 | Casual frank open |
Conversation Tip: Frank = Trustworthy
In Korean relationships, being willing to be 솔직하다 (frank) is often interpreted as a sign of closeness and respect. When you use these expressions, you're signaling: "I trust you enough to say what I actually think." This is more meaningful than it might seem in English.
Exercise 5 — Free Speaking Practice
Use frank-speech expressions to respond to each prompt honestly.
A. A friend asks what you really think of their new apartment.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 말해서, 위치가 조금 불편하긴 한데 인테리어는 정말 좋아요.
B. Someone asks if you're enjoying a class you're taking.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 잘 모르겠어요. 아직 익숙하지 않아서요.
C. A colleague asks for unfiltered feedback on their presentation.
<summary>Answer
가감 없이 말하면, 내용은 충실한데 발표 속도가 좀 빨랐어요.
D. A close friend wants to talk openly about a shared concern.
<summary>Answer
터놓고 얘기하면, 저도 그 부분이 걱정이에요.
E. You want to honestly express that a situation made you a bit uncomfortable.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 좀 불편했어요. 그 상황이 어색하게 느껴졌거든요.
F. Someone asks if you agree with a decision that was made.
<summary>Answer
제 솔직한 생각은 다른 방법도 있었을 것 같아요.
G. You want to sincerely express gratitude to someone who helped you.
<summary>Answer
진심으로 말하면, 정말 많이 도움이 됐어요. 감사해요.
H. You're asked about something you genuinely have no answer to.
<summary>Answer
솔직히 잘 모르겠어요. 더 알아봐야 할 것 같아요.
I. You want to say what you actually think without worrying about social judgment.
<summary>Answer
눈치 보지 않고 말하면, 저는 이 방식이 더 나은 것 같아요.
J. You want to describe a tough day plainly and directly.
<summary>Answer
그냥 솔직하게 — 오늘 정말 힘들었어요. 쉬고 싶어요.
Sentence Starters
Starter | Use |
솔직히 말해서, | Standard opener |
솔직히 잘 모르겠어요 | Frank uncertainty |
가감 없이 말하면, | Unfiltered |
터놓고 얘기하면, | Open mutual candor |
솔직히 좀 불편했어요 | Mild discomfort |
제 솔직한 생각은 | Personal view |
진심으로 말하면, | Heartfelt |
눈치 보지 않고, | Drop caution |
그냥 솔직하게 — | Casual direct |
Speaking Challenge: The Frank Monologue
Choose a topic you have real opinions about — food, work, a place, a habit — and speak for 60 seconds using only frank-speech expressions as your openers. No vague or noncommittal language. This builds the habit of owning your opinions in Korean, which is a key step toward sounding naturally fluent.
솔직한 표현이 진정성 있는 한국어 소통의 핵심이에요. 잘 하셨어요! ✨
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