the body is honest; your body reveals your true feelings
Colloquial proverb meaning that physical reactions or body language betray one's real thoughts or desires, even when words say otherwise.
Even if you say you don't like it, your body is honest, isn't it?
彼は冷静なふりをしていたが、震える手を見れば体は正直だった。
He pretended to be calm, but his trembling hands showed his body was honest.
Refers to the contrast between one's true feelings and the public facade; 体は正直 focuses specifically on the body's involuntary honesty.
Common kanji spelling for this proverb.
Variant spelling using 身体; less common but still seen.
A set phrase combining 体 (body) and 正直 (honest). The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common cultural observation that physical reactions are hard to fake.