老实
lǎoshi
Description
"老实"用来说一个人很诚实，不说谎，也很听话。
"老实" is used to describe a person who is very honest, does not lie, and is obedient.
这个词一般是好话，但有时候也说一个人太老实，容易被别人骗。
This word is generally a compliment, but sometimes it means a person is too "老实" and easily deceived by others.
Meanings
老实lǎoshi
honest; sincere and truthful
他是个老实人，从不说谎。
He is an honest man who never lies.
老实lǎoshi
well-behaved; obedient; quiet
孩子们今天很老实，没吵闹。
The children were well-behaved today and didn't make noise.
老实说lǎoshi shuō
to be honest; frankly speaking
老实说，我不喜欢这个电影。
To be honest, I don't like this movie.
Related words
Notes
- Etymology
老 (here an intensifying prefix) + 实 (real, solid) → genuinely honest.
- Nuance
老实 stresses honesty and being unassuming; 诚实 is more formally 'honest/truthful'.
In videos
“老实说，还挺幽默的。”
“因为老实说我觉得它的东西也不是特别的有特色”
Images