The word 本色 is a compound formed by combining two characters: 本, meaning "original", "root", or "inherent", and 色, meaning "color" or "appearance". Literally, it translates to "original color", referring to the natural, un-dyed hue of a material. Figuratively, this meaning extends metaphorically to denote a person's or thing's true, innate, and authentic character, the essential qualities that define its fundamental nature without pretense or artificiality. Thus, the term elegantly moves from a concrete description of material property to an abstract concept of genuine identity.