Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'inner feelings' often depends on the context—whether you're talking about true emotions, hidden thoughts, or the heart's voice. Direct translations exist, but natural usage varies by formality and nuance.
To refer to one's genuine, deep-seated emotions or what one truly feels inside.
Refers to one's true feelings or real intentions, often contrasted with 'tatemae' (public facade). Commonly used in everyday conversation.
彼の本音が聞きたい。
I want to hear his true feelings.
本音を言うと、その計画には反対だ。
To be honest, I'm against that plan.
One's true heart or real intention. Slightly more introspective than 本音, often used when revealing deeply held feelings.
彼女の本心がわからない。
I don't know what she really feels.
Literally 'inside one's heart/mind', used to describe inner thoughts or feelings, often in reflective or literary contexts.
心の内を打ち明ける。
To confide one's inner feelings.
True feelings, genuine emotion. More formal and literary; often used in writing or serious speech.
彼の真情に触れた。
I was touched by his true feelings.
To talk about feelings that are kept inside, not shown to others.
Literally 'inside one's chest', a common metaphor for hidden feelings or thoughts.
胸の内を誰にも話せない。
I can't tell anyone my inner feelings.
The depths of one's heart; implies deeply buried emotions.
心の奥底では、彼を許せなかった。
Deep down, I couldn't forgive him.
Feelings kept hidden inside; somewhat poetic.
内に秘めた思いを詩に託した。
He expressed his hidden feelings through poetry.
To refer to an inner voice guiding one's actions or moral sense.
The voice of one's heart; used for inner desires or conscience.
心の声に従って進もう。
Let's follow our inner voice.
Conscience; the inner sense of right and wrong.
良心が痛む。
My conscience bothers me.
本音 (honne) is often used in contrast to 建前 (tatemae), the public facade. It's about what you really think versus what you say. 本心 (honshin) is more about your true heart's desire or intention, often used when you're unsure of someone's real motives.
The phrase 'inner feelings' translated literally as 内なる感情 (uchinaru kanjō) is understandable but sounds unnatural and overly literary in most contexts. Use the options above for natural expression.