Translation guide
How to express 'real intentions' in Japanese, from direct statements to nuanced phrases that reveal what someone truly means or feels.
Expressing one's genuine inner thoughts or emotions, often contrasted with outward appearance or polite facade.
I want to hear his real intentions.
To tell you my true feelings, I'm against that plan.
Similar to 本音, but slightly more formal and often used in serious contexts. Emphasizes one's true mind or heart.
I don't know his real intentions.
Refers to the true meaning or motive behind someone's words or actions. Often used when questioning hidden intentions.
I can't quite gauge the real intention behind his words.
Means 'inward thoughts' or 'secret feelings'. Often used in phrases like 内心では (inwardly).
Inwardly, I agreed with him.
Referring to ulterior motives or what someone is really after, often with a negative or suspicious nuance.
Implies a hidden, often selfish or ulterior motive. Commonly used when someone's kindness seems to have strings attached.
I think there's an ulterior motive behind his kindness.
A slightly old-fashioned or dramatic word for a secret scheme or hidden intention. Often used in detective stories or when exposing someone's plot.
Refers to a plot or scheme, often with a negative connotation. More about a planned action than just an intention.
Phrases to directly or indirectly ask what someone truly means or wants.
A casual and direct way to ask 'What do you really think?'. Use with close friends or in informal settings.
What do you really think? Don't hold back, tell me.
A polite request: 'Please tell me your real intentions.' Suitable for both formal and informal situations.
Literally 'What are you thinking?', often used to ask about someone's intentions or feelings when they seem distant or secretive.
Phrases to disclose what you truly mean or feel, often after hesitation.
A very common way to start revealing the truth: 'Actually...' or 'The truth is...'. It signals that you are about to share your real thoughts.
Actually, I'm thinking of quitting the company.
Means 'To be honest...' or 'Frankly speaking...'. Used to preface a candid statement.
Literally 'If I say my real intention...', equivalent to 'To tell you the truth...'.
本音 (ほんね) is the most common and casual, often used in daily conversation. 本心 (ほんしん) is slightly more formal and serious, often about one's true heart. 真意 (しんい) focuses on the true meaning or motive behind words/actions, and is often used when analyzing or questioning.
I don't know his real intentions, but deep down he might agree.
Avoid directly translating 'real intentions' as 本当の意図 (ほんとうのいと) or リアルインテンション. These sound unnatural. Use the words and phrases above instead.
彼の魂胆を見抜いた。
I saw through his real intentions.
彼の企みを暴く。
To expose his scheme.
Please tell me your real intentions. We're colleagues, right?
What's on your mind lately? (implying: what are your real intentions?)
To be honest, I can't agree with that proposal.
To tell you the truth, I want more time off.