The distinction between one's true feelings (honne) and one's public stance (tatemae); often used to describe a discrepancy between private motives and stated reasons.
日本の社会では、本音と建前を使い分けることが多いと言われる。
It is said that in Japanese society people often distinguish between honne and tatemae.
彼は職場では建前を優先するが、家族には本音を話すタイプだ。
He prioritizes tatemae at work, but talks honestly with his family.
時には本音と建前のバランスを取ることが大切だ。
Sometimes it's important to strike a balance between honne and tatemae.
政治家の発言は本音と建前が混ざっていることがある。
Politicians' remarks sometimes mix honne and tatemae.