1.
true nature, true character, identity
The real nature or identity of something. Almost exclusively used in the negative expression 得体の知れない (of unknown nature, mysterious, suspicious).
得体の知れない生物を見つけた。
I found an unidentifiable creature.
得体の知れない不安に襲われた。
I was overcome by a mysterious anxiety.
得体の知れない男が家の前をうろうろしていたので、警察に連絡した。
A suspicious man was loitering in front of the house, so I called the police.
USAGE:
Almost always used in the set phrase 得体の知れない, meaning "of unknown nature," "mysterious," or "unidentifiable." This expression modifies nouns to convey suspicion, eeriness, or the unsettling quality of something whose true identity cannot be determined. The standalone word 得体 is rarely used outside this pattern.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 得体の知れない人: a suspicious/mysterious person
- 得体の知れない不安: a vague, inexplicable anxiety
- 得体の知れない物: an unidentifiable thing
- 得体の知れない液体: an unknown liquid