noun
one's real character; true colors
Refers to a person's genuine nature or disposition, often revealed under certain circumstances. Not a high-frequency everyday word, but used in literary or reflective contexts.
彼の本色は、困ったときにこそ現れる。
His true character shows itself precisely when he is in trouble.
あの事件で彼女の本色が明らかになった。
That incident revealed her real nature.
Compound of 本 (ほん, 'true, real') and 色 (しょく, 'color, character'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning 'true colors'.