When you want to express your deepest thoughts and feelings in Japanese, the word you're looking for is 本音 (honne).
It's made of two kanji: 本 (hon), which means 'true' or 'real,' and 音 (ne), which means 'sound' or 'noise.' So, together, they literally mean 'true sound,' referring to the sound of your true feelings.
This word is really useful when you want to talk about what someone is truly thinking, beyond what they might say politely or for appearances. For example, if someone is being very formal, you might wonder about their 本音, or their real thoughts.
Understanding 本音 is key to understanding Japanese communication, as people sometimes don't express their true feelings directly.
When we communicate, we don't always say exactly what we're thinking or feeling. Sometimes, we might hold back our true thoughts, or express ourselves in a way that's more polite or indirect. The Japanese word 本音 (honne) refers to these true feelings or real intentions that someone might be keeping inside. It's the opposite of 建前 (tatemae), which is the behavior or opinions one displays publicly.
Understanding the concept of 本音 is really important in Japanese culture, as there's often an emphasis on harmony and avoiding direct confrontation. People might use polite language or indirect expressions to convey their 本音, expecting others to read between the lines. So, when you're interacting in Japanese, it's good to be aware that there might be a deeper, unspoken meaning – the 本音 – behind someone's words.
When communicating in Japanese, it's very common for people to distinguish between what they say publicly and what they truly feel. This concept is often referred to as 本音 (honne), which means one's true feelings or real intentions. It contrasts with 建前 (tatemae), which refers to the public stance or outward behavior one adopts, often out of social convention or politeness.
Understanding 本音 is crucial for effective communication in Japan because direct expression of one's true feelings can sometimes be avoided to maintain harmony or avoid conflict. People might use indirect language or subtle cues to convey their 本音, expecting others to read between the lines. Recognizing this cultural nuance helps learners navigate social interactions more smoothly and understand the deeper meanings behind conversations.
Beispiele nach Niveau
彼の表面的な態度の裏には、常に本音が隠されているように感じた。
Behind his superficial attitude, I always felt his true feelings were hidden.
〜ように感じる: to feel as if; to have a feeling that
会議では建前ばかりで、誰も本音を言おうとしなかった。
In the meeting, everyone was just putting on a facade, and no one tried to speak their true feelings.
〜ばかりで: nothing but; only; just
お酒が入ると、彼はいつも本音を漏らす傾向がある。
When he drinks, he always tends to let his true feelings spill out.
〜傾向がある: to have a tendency to; to be prone to
彼女の言葉には、表面的な笑顔の裏に本音が隠されているように思えた。
Her words seemed to hide her true feelings behind a superficial smile.
〜ように思える: to seem as if; to appear that
長い付き合いだからこそ、お互いの本音を理解し合える。
Precisely because we've known each other for a long time, we can understand each other's true feelings.
〜からこそ: precisely because
本音を言えば、この計画には賛成できない。
To tell you my true feelings, I can't agree with this plan.
〜を言えば: to tell you honestly; to be frank
彼の本音を聞き出すのに時間がかかったが、最後には打ち明けてくれた。
It took time to draw out his true feelings, but in the end, he confided in me.
〜のに時間がかかる: to take time to do something
この件については、もう少し本音で話し合うべきだ。
Regarding this matter, we should discuss it a bit more honestly (with our true feelings).
〜べきだ: should; ought to
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彼の本音は何だと思いますか？
What do you think his true feelings are?
本音を言えば、私はその計画に反対です。
To tell you my true feelings, I'm against that plan.
彼女はいつも本音を話す人だ。
She is someone who always speaks her mind (true feelings).
お酒が入ると本音が出やすい。
When alcohol is involved, one's true feelings tend to come out easily.
これは私の本音です。
These are my true feelings.
本音を聞かせてください。
Please tell me your true feelings.
本音を言うと、少し疲れています。
To be honest (speak my true feelings), I'm a little tired.
彼はなかなか本音を見せない。
He doesn't show his true feelings easily.
本音で話し合えば、解決策が見つかるかもしれません。
If we talk with our true feelings, we might find a solution.
彼の本音を知りたいです。
I want to know his true feelings.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
The public face; what is said or done for appearances.
General feeling or sensation.
True heart, real motive. Very close to 本音.
Leicht verwechselbar
Often confused with 本音 (honne) because they are two sides of the same coin: public facade vs. true feelings.
建前 (tatemae) refers to the behavior or opinion one shows in public, which might not be their real intention.
会社での建前では賛成したが、本音は反対だった。(At the company, I agreed outwardly, but my true feelings were against it.)
Both relate to feelings, but 気持ち (kimochi) is a broader term for 'feeling' or 'sensation,' while 本音 (honne) specifically means 'true feelings' or 'real intention.'
気持ち (kimochi) can refer to any feeling (e.g., pleasant, unpleasant, mood), whereas 本音 (honne) is about what you genuinely think or want.
彼の気持ちは分かったが、本音を聞かせてもらった方が良かった。(I understood his feelings, but it would have been better if he had told me his true feelings.)
Very similar to 本音 (honne) and often used interchangeably. However, 本心 (honshin) can sometimes imply a deeper, more inherent nature or core belief.
While largely synonymous, 本心 (honshin) can carry a nuance of one's inner character or true nature, whereas 本音 (honne) is more about what you genuinely want to say or do in a specific situation.
彼女は本心を隠して笑顔を作っていた。(She was hiding her true feelings and putting on a smile.)
Refers to what one thinks or feels internally, making it similar to 本音 (honne).
内心 (naishin) means 'in one's heart' or 'inwardly,' referring to thoughts and feelings kept to oneself. 本音 (honne) is about expressing those true feelings, even if reluctantly.
彼は内心では反対していたが、何も言わなかった。(He was against it inwardly, but said nothing.)
Can be confused because it deals with 'real circumstances' or 'actual conditions,' which might relate to someone's true feelings if those feelings are part of the reality.
実情 (jitsujou) is about objective facts or the actual state of affairs, while 本音 (honne) is about subjective true feelings or intentions.
会社の会議では良いことばかり話したが、実情は厳しかった。(At the company meeting, only good things were discussed, but the actual situation was difficult.)
Teste dich selbst 30 Fragen
This is my true feeling.
I don't know his real intention.
Please speak your true feelings more.
Read this aloud:
これは私の本音です。
Focus: ほんね (hon'ne)
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
彼の本音は分かりません。
Focus: わかりません (wakarimasen)
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
もっと本音を言ってください。
Focus: いってください (itte kudasai)
Du hast gesagt:
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Choose the sentence where 本音 (honne) is used correctly.
本音 (honne) means true feelings or real intention. The correct sentence means 'She always speaks her true feelings, so you can trust her.' The other options use 本音 incorrectly.
Which of the following situations would most likely involve someone expressing their 本音 (honne)?
本音 (honne) refers to one's true feelings, which are often expressed in informal or personal situations. A child expressing their dislike for vegetables to a parent is a good example of expressing true feelings. The other situations involve more formal or strategic communication.
What is the most accurate English translation for「彼の本音を聞きたい」 (Kare no honne o kikitai)?
本音 (honne) directly translates to 'true feelings' or 'real intention.' So, 'I want to hear his true feelings' is the most accurate translation.
If someone is speaking with 本音 (honne), they are being insincere.
False. Speaking with 本音 (honne) means expressing one's true feelings or real intentions, which implies sincerity, not insincerity.
It is always easy to know someone's 本音 (honne) in Japanese culture.
False. In Japanese culture, people often prioritize harmony (和, wa) and may not always express their 本音 (honne) directly, especially in formal settings or to avoid conflict. It can sometimes be difficult to discern.
「本音を言う」 (honne o iu) means 'to speak one's true feelings.'
True. 「本音を言う」 (honne o iu) is a common phrase that literally means 'to say one's true feelings,' which is 'to speak one's true feelings.'
彼の笑顔の裏には、いつも彼の___が隠れている気がする。
The sentence suggests that his 'true feelings' are hidden behind his smile. 「本音」 (honne) means true feelings or real intention.
会議ではみんな建前ばかりで、なかなか___が出なかった。
This sentence implies that people were only speaking formally and not revealing their 'true feelings' or 'real intentions' in the meeting. 「本音」 (honne) fits best here.
友達だからこそ、___で話せる関係でいたい。
The phrase emphasizes the desire to speak with 'true feelings' or 'real intentions' because they are friends. 「本音」 (honne) is the appropriate choice.
彼女はいつも___を言わないので、何を考えているか分かりにくい。
This sentence means that she doesn't express her 'true feelings', making it difficult to understand what she's thinking. 「本音」 (honne) is the correct word.
上司に___を伝えるのは勇気がいることだ。
It takes courage to convey one's 'true feelings' to a boss. 「本音」 (honne) fits the context of expressing personal, possibly difficult, opinions.
彼は酔うとすぐに___が出るタイプだ。
This sentence implies that when he gets drunk, his 'true feelings' easily come out. 「本音」 (honne) is the best fit for this expression.
彼女はいつも笑顔だが、時々その裏に___が隠されているように感じる。
The sentence suggests a contrast between an outward appearance (笑顔 - smile) and something hidden behind it, which '本音' (true feelings) fits perfectly.
なかなか___を打ち明けるのは難しいことです。
To '打ち明ける' means to confess or open up. It's difficult to confess one's '本音' (true feelings).
会議では建前で話したが、本当の___は別にあった。
This sentence directly contrasts '建前' (outward stance) with '本音' (true feelings/intention), implying that the true intention was different from what was expressed publicly.
彼の___を聞くことができれば、もっと彼のことを理解できるだろう。
Understanding someone better often comes from knowing their '本音' (true feelings), rather than just their outward actions or words.
どんなに親しい仲でも、相手の___を完全に知ることはできない。
Even in close relationships, it's often difficult to fully know someone's '本音' (true feelings).
政治家は建前と___を使い分けるのが上手だ。
Politicians are often skilled at distinguishing between their '建前' (public stance) and their '本音' (true intentions).
You're at a work dinner. Your boss asks for your honest opinion about a new project. How would you express your '本音' (true feelings) politely in Japanese, even if it's slightly negative? Write 2-3 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
本音を申し上げにくいのですが、いくつか改善点があるように感じます。特に、そのプロジェクトのスケジュールは少し現実的ではないかもしれません。もう少し時間をかけて計画を練り直す必要があるかと思います。
Imagine you're talking to a close friend about a difficult decision you had to make. Explain how hard it was to reveal your '本音' (real intention) to others involved. Write 2-3 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
あの時、自分の本音をみんなに伝えるのが本当に難しかったよ。本当の気持ちを話したら、相手を傷つけてしまうんじゃないかって心配で。でも、最終的には話してよかったと思ってる。
You are writing a diary entry about a disagreement with a family member. Describe how you wish you had expressed your '本音' (true feelings) more clearly at the time. Write 2-3 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今日の家族との話し合い、もっと自分の本音をはっきり言えばよかったと後悔している。結局、私の本当の気持ちは理解してもらえなかった気がする。次はもっと正直になろう。
この文章から、筆者は「彼」のどのような点に困っていると考えられますか？
Read this passage:
彼はいつも建前で話すので、なかなか本音が見えてこない。彼の本当の意見を聞き出すのは一苦労だ。チームの決定にも影響するため、彼の本音を理解することが重要だ。
この文章から、筆者は「彼」のどのような点に困っていると考えられますか？
文章には「彼はいつも建前で話すので、なかなか本音が見えてこない」とあります。
文章には「彼はいつも建前で話すので、なかなか本音が見えてこない」とあります。
この文章で「本音を言えば」と友人が打ち明けた内容は何ですか？
Read this passage:
友人が「本音を言えば、この仕事は辞めたいと思っている」と打ち明けてくれた。彼女がそこまで考えていたとは知らず、驚いた。これからはもっと彼女の気持ちに寄り添ってあげたい。
この文章で「本音を言えば」と友人が打ち明けた内容は何ですか？
友人の言葉として「本音を言えば、この仕事は辞めたいと思っている」と明確に書かれています。
友人の言葉として「本音を言えば、この仕事は辞めたいと思っている」と明確に書かれています。
筆者が「良い結論は出せないだろう」と考える理由は何ですか？
Read this passage:
会議では様々な意見が出たが、最終的には皆が建前で話し、誰も本音を語ろうとしなかった。これでは良い結論は出せないだろう。もっと正直な議論が必要だと感じた。
筆者が「良い結論は出せないだろう」と考える理由は何ですか？
文章に「誰も本音を語ろうとしなかった。これでは良い結論は出せないだろう」と直接書かれています。
文章に「誰も本音を語ろうとしなかった。これでは良い結論は出せないだろう」と直接書かれています。
/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
Beispiel
彼はなかなか本音を言わない人だ。
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ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
