Japanese word

本心

Pronunciation

Romajihonshin

Meaning

  • nountrue feelings

Example

私は本心を話します。watashi wa hon shin o hana shi ma su

I talk about my true feelings.

Illustration for 本心 (true feelings)

More examples

彼は友人に本心を打ち明けました。kare wa yū jin ni hon shin o u chi a ke ma shi ta

He confided his true feelings to his friend.

Core concept

Refers to a person's deepest and most honest feelings or intentions, especially when they differ from what is openly expressed.

Common phrases

  • 本心を明かすhon shin o a ka su

    reveal one's true feelings

  • 本心を隠すhon shin o kaku su

    hide one's true feelings

  • 本心を打ち明けるhon shin o u chi a ke ru

    confide one's true feelings

Similar words

本音honne: The honest thoughts or feelings a person states without hiding them.
真意shini: The real intention or meaning behind a person's words or actions.
内心naishin: A person's private thoughts and feelings that are not openly shown.

Definition in Japanese

表面上の言葉や態度の奥にある、本人の偽りのない気持ちや考え。hyō men jō no koto ba ya tai do no oku ni a ru hon nin no itsuwa ri no na i ki mo chi ya kanga e

Word origin

The compound 本心 (honshin) consists of 本 (hon, "true" or "main") and 心 (shin, "heart" or "mind"), linking inner truth with the heart and mind.

Usage tips

  • In careful conversation, 本心 (honshin) often appears with verbs meaning reveal, hide, or express, highlighting the contrast between inner thoughts and outward politeness.

Other meanings

  • real intentionnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word