Meaning and Usage
The verb 打ち明ける (うちあける) means "to confess" or "to open one's heart honestly." It is often used when someone reveals personal feelings, secrets, or troubles to another person. This word implies a sense of trust and emotional openness.
Common Contexts
打ち明ける is frequently used in personal relationships, such as confessing love, sharing worries with friends, or admitting mistakes to superiors. It carries a nuance of vulnerability and sincerity.
Collocations and Patterns
- 打ち明ける 気持ち (うちあける きもち): to confess one's feelings
- 悩みを打ち明ける (なやみをうちあける): to open up about troubles
- 秘密を打ち明ける (ひみつをうちあける): to reveal a secret
- 打ち明け話 (うちあけばなし): a frank talk or confession
Register and Politeness
This verb is neutral to polite and suitable for both casual and formal situations, depending on the context and accompanying expressions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 打ち明ける with simply "to tell" (言う) or "to report" (報告する). However, 打ち明ける specifically implies revealing something personal or secret with emotional openness, not just stating facts.