Japanese word

内心

Pronunciation

Romajinaishin

Meaning

  • nountrue feelings

Example

彼は内心では賛成していませんでした。kare wa nai shin de wa san sei shi te i ma se n de shi ta

He did not really agree.

Illustration for 内心 (true feelings)

More examples

彼は内心ではその提案に反対しています。kare wa nai shin de wa so no tei an ni han tai shi te i ma su

Deep down, he opposes the proposal.

Core concept

Describes the private feelings or intentions a person keeps beneath outward words and actions.

Common phrases

  • 内心の声nai shin no koe

    inner voice

  • 内心を隠すnai shin o kaku su

    hide one's true feelings

Similar words

本心honshin: A person's genuine feelings or intentions beneath outward words and actions.
本音honne: A person's honest feelings or opinions expressed without hiding them.

Definition in Japanese

表面には表さず、心の中に抱いている思いや感情。hyō men ni wa arawa sa zu kokoro no naka ni ida i te i ru omo i ya kan jō

Word origin

内心 (naishin) combines 内 (nai, "inside") and 心 (shin, "heart or mind"), referring to what lies within a person's mind.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese conversation, 内心では (naishin dewa) often marks a private reaction that differs from what a person says or shows outwardly.

Other meanings

  • inner thoughtsnoun
  • real intentionnoun

Word lists with this word