下心(したごころ)

したごころ
noun
ulterior motive; hidden agenda; secret intention
personality
1. ulterior motive; hidden agenda; secret intention
A concealed intention or selfish motive behind seemingly innocent or kind behavior, especially romantic or sexual interest.
下心(したごころ)があるのが見(み)え見(み)えだ。
It's obvious that he has an ulterior motive.
親切(しんせつ)にしてくれるけど、下心(したごころ)がありそうだ。
He's being nice, but it seems like he has a hidden motive.
下心(したごころ)なしに純粋(じゅんすい)に助(たす)けたいと思(おも)っているだけだ。
I genuinely want to help, with no ulterior motives.

Strongly implies a selfish or dishonest motive hidden beneath a surface of friendliness or generosity. In modern usage, often suggests romantic or sexual interest that someone is trying to conceal. Composed of 下(した) (underneath/below) + 心(こころ) (heart/mind) — literally, the heart that lies beneath the surface.

Common collocations

  • 下心(したごころ)がある: to have an ulterior motive
  • 下心(したごころ)丸出(まるだ)し: with one's motives completely exposed
  • 下心(したごころ)が見(み)え見(み)え: with obviously transparent motives
  • 下心(したごころ)なしに: without ulterior motives
  • 下心(したごころ)を隠(かく)す: to hide one's ulterior motives

Similar words

  • 魂胆(こんたん): scheme; plot — similar meaning but implies a more calculated, strategic plan rather than a hidden personal desire
  • 思惑(おもわく): ulterior motive; hidden calculation — more neutral; can describe strategic thinking in business without the negative nuance
  • 本音(ほんね): true feelings; real intention — what someone truly thinks, as opposed to what they say publicly

Related Words

Compare: 魂胆(こんたん) (scheme)
Compare: 思惑(おもわく) (ulterior motive)
Compare: 本音(ほんね) (true feelings)
general
Added 2026.5.8 1:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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