how to say “honesty” and “candor” in Hebrew
כֵּנוּת, הֲגִינוּת, יֹשֶׁר
I’m approaching the end of my third Frank McCourt book, Teacher Man. McCourt’s stories keep me turning pages and laughing out loud, but what I love most about his writing is the candor and honesty that glows on every page.
There a few words in Hebrew for honesty. There’s הֲגִינוּת , which also means fairness and decency. There’s יֹשֶׁר , which refers to a person’s moral standing – straightness or integrity.
, which also means fairness and decency. There’s יֹשֶׁר , which refers to a person’s moral standing – straightness or integrity.And then there’s כֵּנוּת
. Its root is the same as that of the words כֵּן – yes, and נָכוֹן – correct or right. כנות means honesty in the sense that someone is transparent and authentic – candid.
For example:
אֲנִי מַעֲרִיךְ אֶת הַכֵּנוּת שֶׁלָּךְ.
I (a male) appreciate your (a female’s) candor.
כנות can be used in adverb form as well:
הוּא דִּבֵּר אִתִּי בְּכֵנוּת.
He spoke with me candidly.