内心(ないしん)

ないしん
noun, adverb
inwardly, in one's heart
emotion
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(ないしん)ほっとした。
I was secretly relieved.
彼(かれ)は笑(わら)っていたが、内心(ないしん)は怒(おこ)っていた。
He was smiling, but inside he was angry.
内心(ないしん)では不安(ふあん)を感(かん)じながらも、平静(へいせい)を装(よそお)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.

Common patterns

  • 内心(ないしん) + verb/adjective (adverbial use: inwardly felt/did X)
  • 内心(ないしん)では (in one's heart, internally)
  • 内心(ないしん)を明(あ)かす (reveal one's true feelings)

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 内心(ないしん): focuses on private thoughts/feelings contrasted with outward behavior
  • 本心(ほんしん): one's true intention or genuine feelings (not necessarily hidden)

Related Words

Compare: 本心(ほんしん) (one's true intention or genuine feelings)
Compare: 内面(ないめん) (inner side, inner feelings)
Compare: 胸(むね)の内(うち) (one's inner thoughts)
Compare: 心中(しんちゅう) (one's true feelings)
general
Added 2026.2.18 5:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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