Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "True" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "true", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
本当
ほんとう (hontou)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
本音
ほんね (honne)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "true" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 本当 and 本音.
In Japanese, 本当 (ほんとう (hontou)) is typically associated with "true, real, really, truly" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can be used as a noun.
On the other hand, 本音 (ほんね (honne)) maps to "true feelings; real intention; private opinion; real talk" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to one's true feelings, real intentions, private opinions, or real talk, as opposed to 建前. A literal translation of "true" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "本当"
これは本当の話ですか。
Is this a true story?
Bilingual Context for "本音"
お酒の席で同僚と語り合ううちに、日頃は言えない会社の不満や_______が次々と飛び出しました。
While chatting with colleagues at a drinking seat, company complaints and true feelings that cannot usually be said popped out one after another.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "これは ＿＿＿ の話ですか。" (Meaning: "Is this a true story?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "本当" fits here because it means "true, real, really, truly" in the context of: "Is this a true story?". "本音" represents "true feelings; real intention; private opinion; real talk".