true feelings vs. public stance; real motive vs. stated reason
Describes the contrast between what one truly thinks or feels (本音) and the socially acceptable or official position one expresses (建前). Often used in discussions of Japanese social dynamics.
It is said that Japanese people distinguish between their true feelings and their public stance.
At the meeting, true feelings and public stances were clearly divided, and nobody spoke their true feelings.
Refers specifically to one's true feelings or real intention, without the contrast with 建前.
Refers to the official stance, principle, or publicly stated position, often contrasted with 本音.
Standard kanji spelling. 建前 is the most common way to write たてまえ in this phrase.
Alternate spelling using 建て前 for たてまえ. Less common but still seen.
Katakana spelling used for emphasis or in casual writing.
Compound of 本音 (true feelings) and 建前 (official stance, originally a term for the framework or structure of a building, metaphorically extended to mean a publicly stated position).