本音

ほんね · honne

JLPT N1

Meaning

True feelings, real intention, one's underlying motive or opinion.

Examples

• 彼の本音を聞くのは難しい。 — It's difficult to hear his true feelings.
• 建前と本音を使い分けるのが日本人には一般的だ。 — It's common for Japanese people to differentiate between their public stance and true feelings.
• 彼女はついに本音を打ち明けた。 — She finally revealed her true feelings.