Definition

1. Noun:
   • True form / Original form: The inherent, original, or fundamental shape, appearance, or state of something.
   • True colours / True nature: The real, often negative or hidden, character or essence of a person or thing, especially when it is finally revealed. This usage often carries a negative connotation, implying a deceitful or ugly nature has been uncovered.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sau một thời gian, hắn ta đã lộ nguyên hình. (After a while, he revealed his true colours.)
  • Tòa lâu đài bị phá hủy, chỉ còn lại nguyên hình của nền móng. (The castle was destroyed, leaving only the original form of its foundation.)
  • Lời nói ngọt ngào ấy chỉ là vỏ bọc, giờ cô ấy đã thể hiện nguyên hình. (Those sweet words were just a cover; now she has shown her true nature.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is most commonly used in the figurative sense to describe the exposure of someone's real, often malicious, intentions or character that was previously concealed.
• It is frequently used with verbs like "lộ ra" (to reveal), "thể hiện" (to show), or "bộc lộ" (to expose).

Variants and Related Words

• Bản chất thật (n): True essence, true nature.
  • Anh ta đã thể hiện bản chất thật của mình. (He showed his true nature.)
• Chân tướng (n): True face, real identity (often of a negative situation or person).
  • Chân tướng vụ án đã được phơi bày. (The true face of the case has been exposed.)

Synonyms

• True colours: The real nature of someone, especially when unpleasant.
• True nature: The inherent character of a person or thing.
• Cloven hoof: A sign of evil nature or devilish character (idiomatic).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Lộ nguyên hình: To reveal one's true form/colours.
  • Khi gặp khó khăn, nó đã lộ nguyên hình là kẻ hèn nhát. (When faced with difficulty, he revealed his true colours as a coward.)
• Bộc lộ nguyên hình: To expose one's true nature.
  • Trước áp lực, tập đoàn đó đã bộc lộ nguyên hình của một công ty bóc lột. (Under pressure, that corporation exposed its true nature as an exploitative company.)

1. True colours, true [evil] nature, cloven hoof