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本性 (ほんしょう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word Freq. Frequency Top 20,000 Meanings 1
noun
true character ; real nature
Refers to a person's inherent, often hidden, true self or fundamental nature. Can be used in both neutral and negative contexts, such as revealing one's true colors.
しょう
が
明あき
らか
に
なっ
た
。
That incident revealed his real nature.
Similar words 本ほん 質しつ 本質 refers to the essential quality or essence of something, often abstract or philosophical. 本性 is more specifically about a person's innate character or true self.
正しょう 体たい 正体 emphasizes the true identity or form of someone/something, often used when a disguise or mystery is involved. 本性 focuses on inherent moral or psychological nature.
Etymology Compound of 本 (ほん, 'true, real') and 性 (しょう/せい, 'nature, character'). The reading ほんしょう is the standard on'yomi combination.
