本音

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 本音(ほんね) means someone's genuine thoughts or feelings beneath what is outwardly expressed.
• Basic usage: It appears when asking someone to speak honestly or trying to understand the feelings behind a smile.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 本音 and 建前
  • 本音 focuses on genuine inner feelings; 建前 focuses on an outwardly stated position or rationale.