本相 (běn xiāng) — original state; true appearance; true nature; one's real character (often used in revealing hypocrites)
Definition
Literary/formal noun meaning 'true nature' or 'original appearance' — usually used when something hidden or fake is exposed. Compare with 真相, which is a more common, neutral term for 'the truth' about an event.
noun
original statetrue appearancetrue natureone's real character (often used in revealing hypocrites)
Examples
- ,本相。Jīng guò xiū fù, gǔ huà zhōng yú huī fù le běn xiāng.After restoration, the ancient painting finally recovered its original appearance.
- ,本相。Zài yā lì zhī xià, tā zhōng yú lù chū le běn xiāng.Under pressure, he finally revealed his true colors.
- 本相。Zhè ge shén huà chuán shuō fǎn yìng le rén lèi de běn xiāng.This myth reflects the original state of humanity.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.