本色

• Pinyin: běn sè
• Hanzi breakdown: 本 = 木 (tree) + 一 (root marker); 色 = 巴 + 刀 (color pictograph)

Meaning

True colors; authentic self; natural character. One's genuine qualities.

Refers to someone's genuine, unadorned character or the original, natural state of something. Often used positively to describe authenticity and staying true to oneself despite circumstances.

Examples

1. 他在镜头前毫不做作，展现了自己的本色。 He was completely natural in front of the camera, showing his true self.
2. 无论成功还是失败，他始终保持着军人本色。 Whether in success or failure, he has always maintained his soldier's character.
3. 这部电影让她有机会展示自己的本色演技。 This film gave her the chance to showcase her authentic acting style.

Usage Guide

Context: character, authenticity, performance

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 他展现了真正的本色。(He showed his true colors.)
• 保持本色很重要。(Staying true to yourself is important.)

Don't Say

• 用'本色'形容伪装 (Don't use 本色 for pretense — it means the opposite: genuine nature)

Origin & History

本 (original/fundamental) + 色 (color/character). Original color, i.e., true nature.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal