1.
one's true background or origin becomes known; to be revealed for what one really is (often negative)
one's true background or origin becomes known; to be revealed for what one really is (often negative)
素性が知れない人物だ。
That person's background is unknown.
調べていくうちに、犯人の素性が知れてきた。
As the investigation progressed, the criminal's true identity came to light.
そんなこ��を言うと、素性が知れるよ。
If you say things like that, people will see what kind of person you really are.
素性 means a person's true background, lineage, or origins — often implying something hidden or not immediately apparent. The expression 素性が知れる means that this hidden background becomes visible, often carrying a negative or critical implication.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 素性が知れない — of unknown background
- 素性が知れてくる — one's background comes to light
- 素性の知れた人 — a person of known background (trustworthy)
- 素性を隠す — to hide one's background
USAGE:
The negative form 素性が知れない is extremely common, describing someone whose origins or character are suspicious or unverifiable. The positive form 素性の知れた implies reliability and trustworthiness.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 正体 — true identity (often of someone or something disguised)
- 身元 — identity; personal details (more factual/administrative)
- 出自 — one's birth or origins (formal, literary)