CEFR C1

本音

True feelings

Translation

true feelings / real intention / one's true self

Meaning

Refers to a person's true feelings, desires, or intentions, especially when these are hidden or not openly expressed in public or formal settings. It's often contrasted with 'tatemae' (建前), which is the public facade or behavior expected by society.

Examples

彼はいつも建前で話すから、本音がどこにあるのか分からない。
He always speaks with his 'tatemae,' so I can't tell where his 'honne' lies.
お酒が入ると、みんな本音を話し始める。
When people start drinking, everyone begins to speak their 'honne'.

Definition

意味: 個人の本当の感情、願望、意図を指します。特に、これらが公の場や公式な場面で隠されたり、オープンに表現されなかったりする場合に使われます。「建前」と対比されることが多く、「建前」は社会的に期待される公の顔や行動を意味します。

Examples / 例文

彼はいつも建前で話すから、本音がどこにあるのか分からない。 — He always speaks with his 'tatemae,' so I can't tell where his 'honne' lies.

お酒が入ると、みんな本音を話し始める。 — When people start drinking, everyone begins to speak their 'honne'.

会議では建前で賛成したけど、私の本音は反対だった。 — In the meeting, I agreed with 'tatemae,' but my 'honne' was to disagree.

How to Use True feelings

to express one's honne (verb phrase)

To state one's true feelings or intentions. — "After a few drinks, he started to express his honne about the project."

to reveal one's honne (verb phrase)

To make one's true feelings or intentions known. — "It took a long time for her to reveal her honne to her colleagues."

to get to the honne (verb phrase)

To understand someone's true feelings or intentions. — "It's hard to get to the honne of what he really thinks."

本音