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.
そんなことを言うと、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)