素 性(すじょう)が知(し)れる

すじょうがしれる

expression

one's true background or origin becomes known

1. one's true background or origin becomes known; to be revealed for what one really is (often negative)

Used when a person's real identity, family or past becomes known. The negative 素性(すじょう)が知(し)れない describes someone whose background is unknown and who is therefore not trusted.

素性(すじょう)が知(し)れない人物(じんぶつ)だ。

That person's background is unknown.

調(しら)べていくうちに、犯人(はんにん)の素性(すじょう)が知(し)れてきた。

As the investigation progressed, the criminal's true identity came to light.

そんなことを言(い)うと、素性(すじょう)が知(し)れるよ。

If you say things like that, people will see what kind of person you really are.

素性(すじょう) means a person's true background, lineage, or origins — often implying something hidden or not immediately apparent. The expression 素性(すじょう)が知(し)れる means that this hidden background becomes visible, often carrying a negative or critical implication.

Common collocations

素性(すじょう)が知(し)れない — of unknown background
素性(すじょう)が知(し)れてくる — one's background comes to light
素性(すじょう)の知(し)れた人(ひと) — a person of known background (trustworthy)
素性(すじょう)を隠(かく)す — to hide one's background

Usage

The negative form 素性(すじょう)が知(し)れない is extremely common, describing someone whose origins or character are suspicious or unverifiable. The positive form 素性(すじょう)の知(し)れた implies reliability and trustworthiness.

Similar words

正体(しょうたい) — true identity (often of someone or something disguised)
身元(みもと) — identity; personal details (more factual/administrative)
出自(しゅつじ) — one's birth or origins (formal, literary)

Related Words

Compare: 正体(しょうたい) (true identity)

Compare: 身元(みもと) (identity)

Compare: 出自(しゅつじ) (one's birth or origins)

general

Added 2026.4.21 1:27 · Revised 2026.10.3 3:19

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