真しん面めん目もく

noun

true character; true self; true worth

Refers to a person's genuine nature, often revealed under pressure or in private. Used in expressions like 真面目を現す (to show one's true colors).

• 彼かれは困こん難なんな状じょう況きょうで真しん面めん目もくを現あらわした。

  He showed his true character in a difficult situation.

na-adjective, noun

serious; earnest

Obsolete term for 'serious' or 'earnest'; modern Japanese uses 真面目 (まじめ) instead. This reading and usage are no longer current.

See also: 真面目

• 古こ文ぶん書しょには「真しん面めん目もくな態たい度ど」という表ひょう現げんが見みられる。

  In old documents, the expression '真面目な態度' (a serious attitude) can be found.