1.
inwardly, in one's heart, one's true feelings
What one truly feels or thinks inside, especially when those feelings differ from what is outwardly expressed. Used both as a noun (one's inner thoughts) and as an adverb (inwardly, secretly).
内心ほっとした。
I was secretly relieved.
彼は笑っていたが、内心は怒っていた。
He was smiling, but inside he was angry.
内心では不安を感じながらも、平静を装った。
While feeling anxious inside, I put on a calm front.
Often implies a contrast between one's outward appearance and true feelings. Very common in narrative and descriptive writing.
USAGE PATTERNS:
- 内心 + verb/adjective (adverbial use: inwardly felt/did X)
- 内心では (in one's heart, internally)
- 内心を明かす (reveal one's true feelings)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 内心ほっとする (be secretly relieved)
- 内心穏やかでない (uneasy inside)
- 内心を隠す (hide one's true feelings)
DISTINCTIONS:
- 内心: focuses on private thoughts/feelings contrasted with outward behavior
- 本心: one's true intention or genuine feelings (not necessarily hidden)