To be honest Meaning in English
expression
ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈbi/, /bi/ /ˈɑnəst
tuh bee AH-nist
tˈuː/ /bˈiː/ /ˈɒnɪst
tuh bee ON-ist
Definition
Used to introduce a statement where you want to express your true feelings, opinions, or admit something honestly.
Usage & Nuances
'To be honest' is informal and commonly used at the start or end of a sentence. It can signal that you might say something negative, critical, or unexpected. Sometimes used to soften directness.
Spanish: para ser sincero - siendo sincero - honestamentePortuguese (BR): para ser sincero - sinceramente - honestamentePortuguese (PT): para ser honesto - sinceramente - honestamenteChinese (Simplified): 说实话 - 说真的Chinese (Traditional): 說實話 - 老實說Hindi: सच कहूँ तो - ईमानदारी से कहूँ तोArabic: بصراحة - لأكون صريحًاBengali: সত্যি বলতে - খোলাখুলি বলতেRussian: честно говоряJapanese: 正直に言うと - 本当のことを言うとVietnamese: thành thật mà nóiKorean: 솔직히 말하면Turkish: dürüst olmak gerekirseUrdu: سچ بتاؤں توIndonesian: sejujurnya
Example Sentences
To be honest, I don't like this soup.
basic
To be honest, he is not very friendly.
basic
To be honest, I forgot your birthday.
basic
To be honest, I have no idea what I'm doing.
natural
I didn't really like the movie, to be honest.
natural
To be honest, I'd rather stay home tonight.
natural