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腹を割る (はらをわる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

腹はらを割わる

JLPTN1

Meanings

1

expression, godan verb (-ru)

be frank; speak openly; drop all pretense

idiomatic expression

Idiomatic expression for speaking honestly and revealing one's true thoughts or feelings, often after a period of reserve.

腹はらを割わって話はなそう。
Let's talk frankly.
彼かれはなかなか腹はらを割わら

ない

。

He rarely opens up.

Kanji

腹abdomen, belly, stomach
割proportion, comparatively, divide

Similar words

本ほん音ねを言いう
Literally 'to say one's true feelings'; more direct and less idiomatic than 腹を割る, which implies a deeper, more vulnerable honesty.
打うち明あける
To confide or reveal something personal; often used for sharing secrets or troubles, while 腹を割る focuses on the act of being completely open.

Etymology

Literally 'to split one's belly', where 腹 (stomach) metaphorically represents one's inner thoughts or true feelings. The expression likely originates from the idea of cutting open one's stomach to reveal what is inside, symbolizing complete honesty.