Translation guide
How to express one's true, often hidden, motives or feelings in Japanese.
Expressing what someone really thinks or wants, as opposed to what they say or show.
Directly or indirectly inquiring about what someone truly means or wants.
A natural, slightly casual way to ask 'What do you really think?'
本当はどう思っているの？遠慮しないで言って。
What do you really think? Don't hold back.
Phrases used when someone discloses their true motive or feelings.
A common lead-in meaning 'To tell you my real intention...' or 'Honestly...'
本音を言うと、辞めたいと思っている。
To be honest, I'm thinking of quitting.
本音 (ほんね) is the most common word for 'real intention' in everyday speech, often contrasted with 建前 (たてまえ, public stance). 本心 (ほんしん) is similar but feels slightly more introspective and is often used in contexts of conscience or deep inner truth. In many cases they are interchangeable, but 本音 is preferred for social masks, while 本心 leans toward personal conviction.
Directly translating 'real intention' as 本当の意図 (ほんとうのいと) is grammatical but unnatural. Japanese speakers almost always use 本音, 本心, or 真意 depending on context.
I want to hear his real intention.
本音を言うと、その計画には反対だ。
To be honest, I'm against that plan.
Literally 'true feelings', a straightforward and natural way to refer to real intentions or emotions.
彼女は本当の気持ちを隠している。
She is hiding her real feelings.
More formal and often used in written language or serious contexts to mean 'true motive' or 'real intention'.
彼の真意はわからない。
I don't understand his real intention.
Similar to 本音, but slightly more introspective, often used for one's true inner thoughts or conscience.
それが彼の本心なのか疑わしい。
I doubt that's his real intention.
Refers specifically to a hidden, often selfish or ulterior motive. Carries a negative nuance.
彼の親切には下心がある。
There's an ulterior motive behind his kindness.
A very common, concise way to ask 'What's your real intention?' or 'What do you really think?' in casual conversation.
本音は？建前はいいから。
What's your real intention? Forget the formalities.
A formal request to hear someone's true intention, suitable for serious or business contexts.
この提案の真意を聞かせてください。
Please tell me the real intention behind this proposal.
A versatile word meaning 'actually' or 'the truth is', often used to reveal a hidden intention.
実は、彼が好きなんです。
Actually, I like him. (revealing true feelings)
A more literary expression meaning 'to reveal one's innermost thoughts'.
彼はついに心の内を明かした。
He finally revealed his real intention.