noun
one's true self; plain; unadorned; unadulterated
Used for a person's unguarded nature or feelings, and for something in its bare, natural, unmodified state. Common in phrases such as 素が出る, 素の自分, and 素のまま.
酔うと、彼はすぐ素が出る。
When he drinks, his true self quickly comes out.
この写真は加工せず、素のまま載せた。
I posted this photo as it was, without editing it.
prefix
Derogatory or belittling prefix before a noun. This use is limited and is mostly encountered in established words rather than freely attached to any noun.
「素浪人」の素には、「ただの」「取るに足りない」という響きがある。
In 素浪人, 素 has a nuance like 'mere' or 'of no account.'
prefix
Prefix before an adjective used as an intensifier. It is not freely productive in modern Japanese and is mainly recognized inside lexicalized adjectives such as 素晴らしい.
「素晴らしい」の素は、強調の働きをする形として説明されることがある。
The 素 in 素晴らしい is sometimes explained as a form that works as an intensifier.
Means a person's true nature more explicitly, often with a negative or hidden-character nuance; 素 can be softer and also means a plain or unadorned state.
A phrase meaning 'as it is' or 'as one really is'; it overlaps with 素のまま but does not have the bound prefix uses of 素.
Means plain in the sense of having no pattern or design, while 素 means natural, unmodified, or one's true self.
The spelling uses 素, a kanji conventionally associated with plainness, naturalness, and basic or unadorned qualities. The historical development of the bound prefix uses is uncertain.