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.
お酒を飲むと本音を吐きやすくなる。
When you drink, it becomes easier to let your true feelings out.
会議では誰も本音を吐かなかったが、飲み会では不満が出た。
No one spoke their true feelings at the meeting, but complaints came out at the drinking party.
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)
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 本音を言う: to say what one really thinks — more neutral
- 本音を漏らす: to let one's true feelings leak out — implies it was unintentional
- 腹を割って話す: to speak frankly — emphasizes openness in conversation