also: ホントのところ
Used adverbially to reveal one's real feelings or the true situation, often contrasting with outward appearances.
本当のところ、彼はその仕事を引き受けたくなかった。
To tell the truth, he didn't want to take on that job.
本当のところ、私はまだ決めていません。
Actually, I haven't decided yet.
the truth; the real story
Used as a noun to refer to the actual facts or real situation, often in phrases like 本当のところを言う or 本当のところを知りたい.
彼は本当のところを話そうとしなかった。
He wouldn't tell the real story.
本当のところを知りたいなら、直接聞いてみて。
If you want to know the truth, try asking directly.
本音 specifically means one's true feelings or real intention, whereas 本当のところ can refer to the truth of a situation as well as personal feelings.
Standard kanji-kana spelling.
Variant using the kanji 所.
Casual spelling with ホント in katakana.
Phrase composed of 本当 (truth, reality) + の (possessive particle) + ところ (place, point). Literally 'the real place/point', it developed into an expression meaning 'in truth' or 'the actual facts'.