Korean Dictionary
How to say "Show Your True Colors" in Korean
“Show Your True Colors” in Korean is 본색을 드러내다 (pronounced "Bonsaegeul Deureondaeda").
본색을 드러내다
Bonsaegeul Deureondaeda
Usage & Context
Showing your true colors means revealing your real character or intentions. In Korean, this is often used when someone's hidden motives or true personality become apparent.
Example Sentence
시간이 지나면 사람의 본색이 드러나요.
Over time, people show their true colors.
How to use 본색을 드러내다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Show Your True Colors” is 본색을 드러내다, romanized as Bonsaegeul Deureondaeda.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 본색을 드러내다.
Pronunciation Guide
For 본색을 (Bon-sae-geul), 'Bon' is like 'bone,' 'sae' like 'say,' and 'geul' like 'gull' but with a lighter 'g' and 'l.' For 드러내다 (Deu-reo-nae-da), 'Deu' is like 'duh' in 'duh-duh,' 'reo' like 'raw,' 'nae' like 'nay,' and 'da' like 'dah.' The stress is on '내.'
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
본색을 드러냈습니다
Bonsaegeul Deureonaetseumnida
Past tense, formal polite form of 'to show true colors'.
Casual (반말)
본색을 드러냈어
Bonsaegeul Deureonaesseo
Past tense, casual form of 'to show true colors'.
More Example Sentences
Describing a deceptive person whose true nature was revealed.
처음에는 친절했지만, 결국 본색을 드러내고 사기를 쳤어요.
At first, they were kind, but eventually, they showed their true colors and committed fraud.
A general observation about human nature and how character is tested.
위기 상황에서야 비로소 그 사람의 본색이 드러나는 법이죠.
It's only in a crisis that a person's true colors are revealed.
Discussing a plot twist or character development in a K-drama.
드라마에서 악역이 드디어 본색을 드러내서 시청자들이 깜짝 놀랐어요.
In the drama, the villain finally showed their true colors, surprising the viewers.
Cultural Context
This phrase is frequently used in Korean society, often with a negative connotation, implying that someone's hidden, usually unpleasant, character or intentions have been exposed. It's a common trope in K-dramas, especially in revenge plots or stories involving corporate intrigue, where a seemingly benevolent character is revealed to be malicious. It highlights the Korean emphasis on sincerity and the disappointment when someone's outward appearance doesn't match their inner self.
Editorial note
We review entries like 본색을 드러내다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
본색을 드러내는 순간
The moment one shows their true colors
점점 본색을 드러내다
To gradually show one's true colors
진짜 본색
True colors (noun phrase)
Related Expressions
정체를 드러내다
Jeongchereul Deureonaeda
To reveal one's true identity
속마음을 보이다
Songmaeumeul Boida
To show one's true feelings/inner thoughts
가면을 벗다
Gamyeoneul Beotda
To take off one's mask
겉과 속이 다르다
Geotgwa Sogi Dareuda
To be different on the outside and inside (hypocritical)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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