本 性(ほんせい)

ほんせい

noun

true nature

1. true nature, real character

The fundamental or inherent character of a person, often hidden or concealed from others.

彼(かれ)の本性(ほんせい)が分(わ)かった。

I understood his true nature.

本性(ほんせい)を現(あらわ)した。

He revealed his true nature.

怒(おこ)ると本性(ほんせい)が出(で)る人(ひと)もいる。

Some people show their true nature when they get angry.

本性(ほんせい) refers to a person's fundamental, often hidden character — what they are really like beneath the surface. It frequently implies that the true nature is negative or surprising.

Common expressions

本性(ほんせい)を現(あらわ)す: to reveal one's true nature
本性(ほんせい)が出(で)る: one's true nature comes out
本性(ほんせい)を隠(かく)す: to hide one's true nature
本性(ほんせい)を見抜(みぬ)く: to see through to someone's true nature

Usage

Unlike 性格(せいかく) (personality, neutral), 本性(ほんせい) implies something concealed that eventually surfaces — often negatively: 酒(さけ)を飲(の)むと本性(ほんせい)が出(で)る (their true nature comes out when they drink).

Similar words

本質(ほんしつ): essence, true nature (neutral, applies to things and people)
性格(せいかく): personality, character (everyday, neutral)
素顔(すがお): true face, real self (less negative than 本性(ほんせい))

Related Words

Synonym: 本質(ほんしつ) (essence (neutral))

Compare: 性格(せいかく) (personality (everyday, neutral))

Compare: 素顔(すがお) (true face, real self)

general

Added 2026.2.5 20:49 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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