本音
ほんね
real intention; motive; true opinion; what one really thinks
JLPT N1 Common word Intermediate Japanese L15
Meanings
Noun
real intention; motive; true opinion; what one really thinks
Example sentences
本音を言えよ。
Tell me the truth.
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He showed what he meant.
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I don't know what his real intentions are.
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People hide their true feelings.
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My boss says one thing and means another.
More examples (6)
トムにはなぜか本音を語れるんだ。
For some reason I can be honest with Tom.
それじゃあ、本音で話し合おうか。
Well, let's talk turkey.
トムはついにメアリーから本音をなんとか聞きだすことができた。
Tom finally managed to get Mary's true opinion out of her.
あの人はいつも受け身に回っているから本音は何か見当がつかない。
That person is always showing a passive attitude, so I have no clue what his true nature really is.
彼女に望むのは、歯に衣着せないで本音を言って欲しいということだ。
I wish she wouldn't pussyfoot about it and just say what she means.
日本の建前と本音という概念は、僕にとって、互いに嘘をついてるだけだと思う。表面的なものだけじゃない?本当は?気持ちを傷つけないためと分かってても、やっぱりあまり好きじゃない。
To me, the Japanese concept of "tatemae to honne" is just about lying to each other. Isn't it overly superficial? What about sincerity? I know it's about being considerate of others' feelings, but I still don't really like it.