Translation guide
The English phrase "true heart" refers to one's genuine feelings, sincerity, or innermost self. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several words and phrases that emphasize honesty, purity of intention, and emotional authenticity.
Expressing one's genuine emotions or real intentions, often contrasted with superficial or hidden feelings.
Refers to one's true feelings or real intentions, especially when they may be hidden behind a facade. Commonly used in contexts where someone is not being honest about their emotions.
彼の本心がわからない。
I don't know his true feelings.
本心を言うと、その計画には反対だ。
To tell you my true feelings, I'm against that plan.
One's real opinion or true feelings, often contrasted with 建前 (たてまえ, public stance). Used when someone reveals what they really think.
彼はなかなか本音を言わない。
He rarely says what he really thinks.
本音と建前を使い分ける。
To use one's true feelings and public stance differently depending on the situation.
Literally 'the bottom of one's heart', used to express deep, sincere feelings. Often used in phrases like 心の底から (from the bottom of one's heart).
心の底から感謝しています。
I am grateful from the bottom of my heart.
Describing a heart that is innocent, free from malice, or morally pure.
Sincerity, devotion, or a pure heart. Often implies selfless, genuine care for others. Used in contexts of heartfelt actions or gifts.
真心を込めて手紙を書いた。
I wrote the letter with all my heart.
彼の真心が伝わってきた。
His sincerity came through.
A pure, innocent heart. Often used to describe a childlike sincerity or lack of ulterior motives.
彼女は純粋な心を持っている。
She has a pure heart.
A clean, pure heart, often with moral or spiritual connotations. More literary or formal.
清い心で生きたい。
I want to live with a pure heart.
Referring to the deepest, most authentic part of a person, often in spiritual or emotional contexts.
The deepest recesses of one's heart. Used to express profound, often hidden emotions or truths.
心の奥底では、彼を許していた。
Deep down in my heart, I had forgiven him.
One's true nature or essence. More abstract and can be used for things as well as people.
彼の本質は優しさだ。
His true nature is kindness.
本心 (ほんしん) refers to one's true inner feelings, often emotional and personal. 本音 (ほんね) refers to one's real opinion or what one truly thinks, often in contrast to a public stance (建前). Use 本心 for emotional sincerity and 本音 for honest opinions.
彼の本心は悲しみでいっぱいだった。
His true heart was full of sadness.
会議では本音を言えなかった。
I couldn't say what I really thought at the meeting.
The literal translation 真の心 (しんのこころ) is not commonly used in natural Japanese. It may sound poetic or archaic. Use the words and phrases in this guide instead.