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苦言を呈する (くげんをていする) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, suru verb (special)
give candid advice ; admonish honestly
Used when someone offers frank, often unwelcome advice or criticism out of genuine concern. The phrase implies the advice may be harsh but is well-intentioned.
友ゆう 人じん と し て 苦く 言げん を 呈てい する が 、 その 計けい 画かく は 見み 直なお し た ほう が いい 。
As a friend, I must be honest with you—you should reconsider that plan.
Similar words 忠ちゅう 告こく 忠告 is general advice or warning, while 苦言を呈する specifically implies giving advice that may be hard to hear but is meant for the recipient's benefit.
諫いさ める 諫める is to remonstrate or admonish, often in a hierarchical context; 苦言を呈する is a more formal, set phrase for offering candid criticism.
Etymology 苦言 (bitter words) + を + 呈する (to present). The phrase literally means 'to present bitter words,' i.e., to offer frank, potentially unpleasant advice.
