Meaning and Usage
"坦白" (tǎn bái) primarily means to be honest, frank, or straightforward. It can describe a person's character or the act of confessing or admitting something openly.
Common Contexts
It is often used when someone admits mistakes or reveals true feelings without hiding anything. For example, "坦白承认错误" means to honestly admit a mistake.
Collocations and Patterns
- 坦白说: frankly speaking, used to introduce an honest opinion.
- 坦白承认: to confess or admit openly.
- 性格坦白: describing a straightforward personality.
Nuance and Register
"坦白" carries a positive tone implying sincerity and openness. It is suitable in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in spoken and written Chinese when emphasizing honesty.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "坦白" with "坦率" (tǎn shuài), which also means frank but is more about being candid in speech rather than confessing or admitting something.