honne

Honne is a Japanese term for a person’s true feelings, desires, and motives, especially when they conflict with social expectations. Tatemae refers to the outward expressions and actions that align with social norms to maintain harmony. The two concepts help explain why people may act differently in private than in public.

Etymology: Honne comes from 本音, meaning “true voice” or “true sound,” while tatemae comes from 建前, meaning a “public front” or “stated stance.”

Context and function: In daily life, honne may be shared only with close friends or family, or kept private; tatemae is common in workplace, formal settings, and interactions with strangers. The balance varies with relationship, rank, and situation. Revealing honne can risk conflict or social discomfort, while tatemae can help preserve group cohesion and social harmony.

Examples: A manager publicly endorses a policy while privately disagreeing, or a friend signals dissatisfaction through indirect hints rather than direct critique. Gift-giving, polite language, and nonverbal cues often reflect tatemae norms, while personal desires and concerns are handled in safer, private interlocutions.

Nuance and criticism: Some scholars argue that the honne–tatemae dichotomy oversimplifies behavior, noting that expressions labeled as tatemae can be sincere, and honne can be shaped by context and relationships. The concept is frequently discussed as a framework for understanding social interaction in Japan and, to some extent, in other cultures with similar public-private dynamics.