忠言逆耳 zhōngyánnì'ěr the truth hurts Origin Definitions Defs Strokes Stroke Words Sentences Sents 忠言 zhōngyán sincere advice honest and sincere advice or heartfelt words intended to help someone improve; earnest exhortation逆耳 nì'ěr grating to the ear unpleasant or grating to the ear; often describes honest but sharp advice or criticism that is difficult to hear