実じつのことを言いうと

Meanings

Fixed expression used as a sentence opener to introduce a candid or honest statement, often when admitting something or revealing true feelings.

実じつのことを言いうと、彼かれのことはあまり好すきじゃない。
To tell the truth, I don't really like him.
実じつのことを言いうと、まだ準じゅん備びができていないんだ。
Actually, I'm not ready yet.

Kanji

実reality, truth, seed
事matter, thing, fact
言say, word

Related words

正しょう直じきに言いうと
Similar meaning but more directly emphasizes honesty; 実のことを言うと focuses on revealing the real situation or truth.
実じっ際さいのところ
Also means 'actually' or 'in reality', but is more neutral and factual; 実のことを言うと carries a nuance of personal confession.

Built from

実じつの+こと+言いう

Written forms

実じつのことを言いうと
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling.
実じつの事ことを言いうと
Variant with 事 instead of こと; slightly more formal or written.
実じつのことをいうと
Kana spelling for 言う; common in casual writing.

Etymology

Phrase composed of 実 (truth/reality), の (possessive particle), こと (abstract thing), を (object marker), 言う (to say), and と (conditional/quotative). Literally 'if I say the real thing', it became a set expression meaning 'to tell the truth'.