真相

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 真相 (しんそう) combines truth 真 and aspect 相 to denote the full truth behind an event.
• Basic usage: It is used when investigation or a later revelation uncovers what actually happened.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The full story behind appearances
  • 真相 points beyond rumor or first impressions to underlying facts that were previously hidden.