Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To speak directly: To address someone or something in a straightforward manner, without intermediaries or beating around the bush.
   • To speak frankly/plainly: To state one's thoughts, opinions, or the truth openly and honestly, without concealment or euphemism.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Có gì anh cứ nói thẳng với tôi. (If you have anything, just speak directly to me.)
  • Tôi thích cách cô ấy luôn nói thẳng. (I like how she always speaks frankly.)
  • Trong cuộc họp, anh ấy đã nói thẳng về những vấn đề còn tồn đọng. (In the meeting, he spoke plainly about the remaining issues.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a positive character trait of honesty and directness, but depending on context and tone, it can sometimes be perceived as blunt or lacking tact.
• It is commonly used in advice or encouragement, suggesting that direct communication is the preferred or most effective method.

Variants and Related Words

• Nói thật (v): To tell the truth.

  • Nói thật đi, bạn có thích nó không? (Tell the truth, do you like it?)

• Nói toạc (v, more colloquial/idomatic): To speak bluntly or spill the beans, often with a connotation of revealing an uncomfortable truth.

  • Anh ấy nói toạc móng heo mọi chuyện. (He blurted out everything.)

Synonyms

• Speak one's mind: To say exactly what one thinks.
• Be blunt: To be very direct, sometimes to the point of rudeness.
• Be forthright: To be direct and honest in manner or speech.

Related Idioms

• Nói thẳng nói thật: To speak directly and truthfully (an emphatic combination).

  • Tôi muốn mọi người nói thẳng nói thật trong dự án này. (I want everyone to speak directly and truthfully in this project.)

• Thẳng như ruột ngựa (idiom describing a person): To be as straight as a horse's intestine; meaning very straightforward and frank.

  • Tính anh ấy thẳng như ruột ngựa. (His character is very straightforward.)

1. Speak directly tọ
   • Có chuyện gì cứ nói thẳng với tôi cũng được
     If you have anything to say, just speak directly to me
2. Speak up, speak out one's mind; speak plainly