1.
true feelings; real intention; what one really thinks
One's genuine thoughts or feelings as opposed to what one expresses publicly for social harmony.
本音を言うと、あまり行きたくない。
To tell you the truth, I don't really want to go.
彼の本音がやっと分かった。
I finally understood his true feelings.
お酒を飲むと本音が出る。
When people drink alcohol, their true feelings come out.
CULTURAL CONCEPT:
本音 and 建前 are a fundamental pair in understanding Japanese communication. 本音 represents one's genuine, private thoughts while 建前 is the public stance maintained for social harmony.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 本音を言う / 本音を吐く (to speak one's true feelings)
- 本音が出る (one's true feelings come out)
- 本音を隠す (to hide one's true feelings)
- 本音と建前 (true feelings and public stance)
USAGE NOTE:
Often used when revealing something that contrasts with what was previously expressed or expected.
Related Words
Antonym:
建前 (public stance)