# 开诚布公

kāi chéng bù gōng

Speak openly and sincerely

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Open sincerity and make matters public

**Traditional Chinese:** 開誠布公

**Register:** Constructive · formal

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Encourage frank discussion and transparent dealings.

Frankness should respect privacy and courtesy.

## Understanding the expression

The expression brings inner sincerity into open discussion instead of leaving it hidden behind guarded language. Modern use suits negotiations, difficult conversations, and teamwork where trust requires clear facts and intentions. It encourages people to put relevant concerns on the table. Openness does not mean disclosing every private detail or speaking harshly. The useful goal is honest, fair communication that lets others understand the issue and respond to it meaningfully.

## Examples

我们开诚布公地谈一次。

### Traditional Chinese

我們開誠布公地談一次。

wǒ men kāi chéng bù gōng dì tán yí cì 。

Let us have an open, sincere discussion.

她开诚布公地说明预算困难。

### Traditional Chinese

她開誠布公地說明預算困難。

tā kāi chéng bù gōng dì shuō míng yù suàn kùn nán 。

She openly explained the budget difficulties.

双方开诚布公，找到了共同点。

### Traditional Chinese

雙方開誠布公，找到了共同點。

shuāng fāng kāi chéng bù gōng ， zhǎo dào le gòng tóng diǎn 。

The two sides spoke frankly and found common ground.

经理希望大家开诚布公提意见。

### Traditional Chinese

經理希望大家開誠布公提意見。

jīng lǐ xī wàng dà jiā kāi chéng bù gōng tí yì jiàn 。

The manager wants everyone to offer opinions openly.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E9%96%8B%E8%AA%A0%E5%B8%83%E5%85%AC)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=232&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [开门见山 kāi mén jiàn shān State the main point directly ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/kai-men-jian-shan)

- [侃侃而谈 kǎn kǎn ér tán Speak confidently and fluently ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/kan-kan-er-tan)

- [慷慨解囊 kāng kǎi jiě náng Give money generously to help ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/kang-kai-jie-nang)

- [克绍箕裘 kè shào jī qiú Carry on a parent's profession or legacy ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ke-shao-ji-qiu)

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