Japanese word

本音

Pronunciation

Romajihonne

Meaning

  • nountrue feelings

Example

友達に本音を話します。tomo dachi ni hon ne o hana shi ma su

I will tell my true feelings to my friend.

Illustration for 本音 (true feelings)

More examples

遠慮しないで、本音を聞かせてください。en ryo shi na i de hon ne o ki ka se te ku da sa i

Please tell me your true feelings without holding back.

Core concept

本音 (honne) points to the feelings and thoughts a person genuinely holds beneath outward words or behavior.

Common phrases

  • 本音を言うhon ne o yū

    tell one's true feelings

  • 本音を話すhon ne o hana su

    share one's true feelings

  • 本音を隠すhon ne o kaku su

    hide one's true feelings

Similar words

本心honshin: A person's genuine feelings and thoughts, especially those not openly expressed.
真意shini: The true intention or meaning behind a person's words or actions.
胸の内munenouchi: The feelings and thoughts a person keeps inside and does not openly show.
腹の内haranouchi: The private feelings and intentions a person keeps hidden from others.

Definition in Japanese

表向きの言葉や態度ではなく、心の中で本当に思っていること。omote mu ki no koto ba ya tai do de wa na ku kokoro no naka de hon tō ni omo tte i ru ko to

Word origin

本音 (honne) combines 本 (hon, "true") and 音 (ne, "sound"), literally suggesting a person's true inner voice.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 本音 (honne) often contrasts with 建前 (tatemae), the public words or stance a person presents.

Other meanings

  • real intentionnoun
  • true opinionnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word