Five factors of well spoken speech are - 1) It is spoken at the proper time, 2) truthfully, 3) gently, 4) in a way that benefits, and 5) spoken with a mind of loving-kindness.

AN 5.198  Vācā sutta - Speech

“Pañcahi, bhikkhave, aṅgehi samannāgatā vācā subhāsitā hoti, no dubbhāsitā, anavajjā ca ananuvajjā ca viññūnaṁ. Katamehi pañcahi?

Bhikkhus, speech endowed with five factors is well spoken, not badly spoken, blameless, and irreproachable to the wise. What are these five factors?

Kālena ca bhāsitā hoti,
saccā ca bhāsitā hoti,
saṇhā ca bhāsitā hoti,
atthasaṁhitā ca bhāsitā hoti,
mettacittena ca bhāsitā hoti.

1) It is spoken at the proper time,
2) it is |true::accurate, correct [sacca]|,
3) it is |gentle::polite, soft [saṇha]|,
4) it is |beneficial::meaningful [atthasaṃhita]|, and
5) it is spoken with a |mind of loving-kindness::mind of benevolence, friendly heart [mettacitta]|.

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, pañcahi aṅgehi samannāgatā vācā subhāsitā hoti, no dubbhāsitā, anavajjā ca ananuvajjā ca viññūnan”ti.

Indeed, bhikkhus, speech endowed with these five factors is well spoken, not badly spoken, blameless, and irreproachable to the wise.

Topics & Qualities:

Loving Kindness

Loving Kindness

The practice of developing boundless love and goodwill toward all beings, starting with oneself and extending outward.

Also known as: metta practice, unconditional love, goodwill meditation, goodwill, benevolence, kindness, friendliness
Pāli: mettā, metta, abyāpāda, abyāpajja
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Well Spoken Speech

Well Spoken Speech

Speech that accords with right speech and is also timely, beneficial, and spoken with a mind of loving-kindness.

Also known as: good speech, eloquent communication
Pāli: subhāsitā
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Politeness

Politeness

A relational quality of being considerate, timely, and gentle in conduct—especially in speech—that gives ease to others, attends to social cues, and avoids harshness; it supports concord in community.

Also known as: courtesy, being considerate, being well-mannered, friendliness
Pāli: paṭisanthāra, saṇha, sorata, sappatissa
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Truth

Truth

The quality of what is real and dependable; speech and conduct aligned with reality, honesty, and integrity.

Also known as: accuracy, reliability, verifiability
Pāli: sacca
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Last updated on November 25, 2025