Translation guide
The English phrase "true character" refers to a person's real nature, personality, or identity, often hidden beneath a surface appearance. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several words and phrases that emphasize authenticity, inner self, or the contrast between public and private selves.
Expressing the idea of a person's genuine personality, as opposed to a facade or public persona.
Refers to one's true nature or innate character, often used when someone reveals their real self, especially in a negative sense (e.g., showing a bad side). It can be neutral but frequently implies a hidden, sometimes undesirable, nature.
彼はついに本性を現した。
He finally showed his true character.
酒を飲むと本性が出る。
When he drinks, his true character comes out.
Means 'essence' or 'true nature' in a more abstract or philosophical sense. It can refer to the fundamental character of a person or thing, not necessarily hidden but core.
彼の本質は優しさだ。
His true character is kindness.
Literally 'bare face' (without makeup), metaphorically means one's true self or unguarded character, often used in contrast to a public image.
彼女の素顔はとても魅力的だ。
Her true character (the real her) is very charming.
Refers to one's natural disposition or true self, often used in casual contexts to mean 'the real me/him/her' as opposed to a forced persona. Common in phrases like 地が出る (one's true self comes out).
緊張すると地が出ない。
When I'm nervous, my true character doesn't come out.
Referring to a person's moral strength, honesty, and ethical nature.
Describes a person's character or personality in terms of their moral qualities, warmth, and likability. Often used positively to mean 'good character'.
彼の人柄に惹かれた。
I was drawn to his true character (his good nature).
人柄がにじみ出る。
One's true character shines through.
Means 'personality' or 'character' in a more formal, psychological, or ethical sense. Often used in contexts of moral integrity or personal development.
Refers to dignity, refinement, or moral character, often implying a sense of nobility or class. Used in formal or literary contexts.
Expressing the real identity of a person, especially when they are pretending to be someone else.
Means 'true identity' or 'true form', often used when someone is disguised, hiding their identity, or when a supernatural being reveals its real form.
彼の正体はスパイだった。
His true character (identity) was a spy.
化け物が正体を現した。
The monster revealed its true character (form).
Literally 'true self', used in personal, introspective contexts about being authentic or finding one's real identity.
本当の自分を見つけたい。
I want to find my true character (true self).
Describing the true character or essential quality of an object, concept, or situation.
As above, but applied to non-human subjects. It means the fundamental nature or essence of something.
問題の本質を見極める。
To discern the true character (essence) of the problem.
Means 'true state' or 'reality', often used to contrast appearance with actual condition.
The phrase "true character" cannot be directly translated as 真のキャラクター or similar. Use the appropriate Japanese word based on context: hidden nature (本性), moral character (人柄), identity (正体), or essence (本質).
本性 often implies a hidden, sometimes negative, true nature that is revealed. 本質 is more neutral and philosophical, referring to the fundamental essence of a person or thing. Use 本性 when someone's real (often bad) self comes out; use 本質 for core characteristics.
彼は人格者だ。
He is a person of true character (a person of integrity).
彼の品性が疑われる。
His true character (moral integrity) is questioned.
この計画の実体は不明だ。
The true character (actual state) of this plan is unknown.