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本当の理由 (hontō no riyū) - true reason

Grammar & Usage

noun phrase

neutral

How it works

This is a noun phrase formed by the noun/no-adjective '本当' (truth/real) modifying the noun '理由' (reason) via the attributive particle 'の'. It can function as a subject, direct object, or predicate in a sentence.

Sample sentences

彼が会社を辞めた本当の理由を誰も知らない。

Nobody knows the true reason why he quit the company.

本当の理由を話してくれませんか。

Could you please tell me the real reason?

遅刻した本当の理由は、寝坊したからです。

The real reason I was late is that I overslept.

Quick facts

cultural_nuance:Frequently used in contexts contrasting public explanations (建前, tatemae) with underlying personal truths (本音, honne).

kanji_breakdown:本当 (truth/reality) + の (attributive particle) + 理由 (reason/cause)

Often used with

本当の理由を明かす (reveal the true reason)

本当の理由を知る (know the true reason)

本当の理由を隠す (hide the true reason)

本当の理由を話す (tell the true reason)

Mnemonic

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Example

彼が会社を辞めた本当の理由を誰も知らない。

Nobody knows the true reason why he quit the company.

本当の理由を話してくれませんか。

Could you please tell me the real reason?