1.
true nature, true character
A person's innate character or nature that is normally hidden beneath a social mask. Often implies that the true nature is negative or surprising when revealed.
酔うと本性が出る。
When drunk, one's true nature comes out.
ついに彼の本性が現れた。
His true nature finally showed itself.
追い詰められると人は本性を見せるものだ。
When cornered, people tend to show their true colors.
USAGE:
Often carries a negative connotation — the true nature revealed is usually worse than expected. Common in the pattern 本性が出る / 現れる (one's true nature emerges). Distinguished from the reading ほんせい, which is more neutral or Buddhist in tone.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 本性が出る: one's true nature comes out
- 本性を現す: to reveal one's true colors
- 本性を見せる: to show one's true nature
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 本性: true nature (more neutral, sometimes Buddhist usage)
- 正体: true identity, true form (often used for disguised or unknown entities)
- 素顔: bare face, true self (less negative)