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胸臆 (kyouoku) Japanese meaning: innermost thoughts | Kotomora

胸きょう臆おく

きょ

う

お

く

Meanings

1

innermost thoughts; deepest feelings

A literary, somewhat old-fashioned word for what one truly thinks or feels deep inside. Often used in expressions like 胸臆を打ち明ける or 胸臆に秘める.

彼かれはついに胸きょう臆おくを打うち明あけた。
He finally revealed his innermost thoughts.

Kanji

胸bosom, breast, chest
臆timidity, heart, mind

Related words

本ほん音ね
本音 is the common modern word for one's real intention or true feelings, while 胸臆 is a literary, emotional expression for the deepest thoughts and feelings.
胸きょう中ちゅう
胸中 also means 'in one's heart/mind' and is more common than 胸臆, but still somewhat literary. 胸臆 emphasizes the depth and secrecy of feelings more strongly.

Etymology

Compound of 胸 (chest, heart) and 臆 (innermost thoughts, feelings). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with deep, hidden emotions.

その手て紙がみには彼かの女じょの胸きょう臆おくが綴つづられていた。

The letter was filled with her deepest feelings.