1.
to speak one's true feelings; to reveal one's real thoughts; to let one's true feelings slip out
To express what one truly thinks or feels, often after holding back. Implies that the true feelings were previously hidden behind a polite or official front (建前).
ついに本音を吐いた。
He finally spoke his true feelings.
Usage
The verb 吐く here means "to let out" or "to utter" (not "to vomit"). This expression is closely tied to the Japanese cultural concept of 本音 (true feelings) versus 建前 (public facade).
Common collocations
- つい本音を吐く (to accidentally let one's true feelings slip)
- 本音を吐きやすい場 (a setting where it's easy to be honest)