Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
坦率tǎnshuài(tan3shuai4)
坦率 (tǎnshuài) refers to a quality of being frank and open in communication. It is often used to describe conversations where honesty and straightforwardness are prioritized, sometimes even to the point of being blunt. This term can be applied in both personal and professional contexts, highlighting the importance of transparency in discussions.
Frequency#9394DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture,坦率 is appreciated in certain contexts, particularly in business or among close friends, as it fosters trust. However, there is also a cultural nuance around maintaining harmony, so being too blunt may not always be well-received.
Memory Tip
Think of 坦率 as a 'tanned sun' (tan) shining brightly, illuminating the truth in discussions. The character 坦 (tǎn) resembles a flat surface, suggesting openness, while 率 (shuài) can remind you of a leader guiding conversations with honesty.
Meanings of 坦率
tǎnshuài(tan3shuai4)
1frank (discussion)
2blunt
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 坦率
坦率Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#9394Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 坦率
Podcast: 坦率
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 坦率
Quick Contrast
诚实 (chéngshí) vs 坦率 (tǎnshuài): use 诚实 for general honesty, while 坦率 emphasizes openness and straightforwardness in communication.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 坦率 as a 'tanned sun' (tan) shining brightly, illuminating the truth in discussions. The character 坦 (tǎn) resembles a flat surface, suggesting openness, while 率 (shuài) can remind you of a leader guiding conversations with honesty.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that while being 坦率 is generally positive, it can sometimes be perceived as rude if taken too far. It’s commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but ensure to match the tone of your conversation. A common collocation is 坦率地说 (tǎnshuài de shuō), meaning 'to speak frankly.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 坦率 connects well with other vocabulary around communication and interpersonal relationships. Focus on using it in sentences that reflect honesty and directness, and try to pair it with other terms like 交流 (jiāoliú, communication) or 意见 (yìjiàn, opinion) to enhance understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture,坦率 is appreciated in certain contexts, particularly in business or among close friends, as it fosters trust. However, there is also a cultural nuance around maintaining harmony, so being too blunt may not always be well-received.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 坦率 with 诚实 (chéngshí, honest) but they are not interchangeable. For example, saying '他很诚实' (He is very frank) instead of '他很坦率' is incorrect in context, as 诚实 refers more to honesty without the directness implied by 坦率.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 坦率
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 坦率 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 坦率 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 坦率
坦率 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
____地说，你认为这个学校怎么样？
What do you think of the school, in your honest opinion?
Example Sentences for 坦率 (9)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
坦率地说，你认为这个学校怎么样？
tǎn shuài dì shuō， ， nǐ rèn wéi zhè gè xué xiào zěn mó？
What do you think of the school, in your honest opinion?
2
他的长相非常孩子气,显得性情很好且诚实坦率.
tā de cháng xiāng fēi cháng hái zǐ qì, , xiǎn dé xìng qíng hěn hǎo qiě chéng shí tǎn.
His classic boyish looks seemed to proclaim his good humour and openness.
3
他们中的一些人坦率地表达了自己的政治观点。
tā mén zhōng de yī xiē rén tǎn shuài dì biǎo dá le zì jǐ de zhèng zhì guān diǎn。
Some of them make no bones about their political views.
tā shí fēn tǎn shuài dì gěi wǒ jiǎng le tā de gù shì.
He was very honest to tell me his story.
8
借由这次坦率的谈话使我们受益匪浅.
jiè yóu zhè cì tǎn shuài de tán huà shǐ wǒ mén shòu yì fěi qiǎn.
We benefit greatly by this frank talk.
9
他极其坦率地谈了许多问题.
tā jí qí tǎn shuài dì tán le xǔ duō wèn tí.
He covered a wide range of topics with unusual candour.
Cultural Notes for 坦率
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture,坦率 is appreciated in certain contexts, particularly in business or among close friends, as it fosters trust. However, there is also a cultural nuance around maintaining harmony, so being too blunt may not always be well-received.
Frequently Asked Questions about 坦率
While 坦率 is generally seen as a virtue, it can be perceived negatively if it comes off as insensitivity or rudeness.
You can say '我喜欢坦率的交流' (Wǒ xǐhuān tǎnshuài de jiāoliú), which means 'I like frank communication.'
The opposite would be 迂腐 (yūfǔ), meaning overly pedantic or evasive in communication.
