真面目

Noun

 * 1)  true features; true identity; true colors

Etymology 1
Appears to be root maji, which is cognate with, + , from the sense of eyes blinking nervously when having a straight face. First attested in the , around 1639-1640.

The kanji spelling is an example of mixed with, from  (real) + 面 (face) +  (eyes). Compare English true colors.

Adjective

 * 1) serious, earnest
 * 2) honest
 * 1) honest

Noun

 * 1) seriousness
 * 2) honesty

Adjective

 * 1) actual
 * 2) sincere

Noun

 * 1) actual value
 * 2) sincerity

Adjective

 * 1) actual
 * 2) sincere

Noun

 * 1) actual value
 * 2) sincerity