Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "True" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "true", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
本音
ほんね (honne)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
実感
じっかん (jikkan)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "true" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 本音 and 実感.
In Japanese, 本音 (ほんね (honne)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, 実感 (じっかん (jikkan)) maps to "true feeling, real feeling, actual feeling, realization" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To truly feel or realize something, often after a period of abstract understanding. Used with する. A literal translation of "true" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "実感"
実際に現地に行って、初めて災害の大きさを実感した。
I truly realized the magnitude of the disaster only after going to the actual site.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "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。" (Meaning: "While chatting with colleagues at a drinking seat, company complaints and true feelings that cannot usually be said popped out one after another.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "本音" fits here because it means "true feelings; real intention; private opinion; real talk" in the context of: "While chatting with colleagues at a drinking seat, company complaints and true feelings that cannot usually be said popped out one after another.". "実感" represents "true feeling, real feeling, actual feeling, realization".