How to Say ‘Really’ in Japanese
本当に
ほんとうに
💬 Usage Tip: Use [本当に] for emphasis. It intensifies the adjective that follows.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Emphasizing a compliment is a way to show sincerity in Japan.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
本当ほんとう
[hontou]
truth, reality
The term for truth or reality, often used to emphasize sincerity.
本当のことを言います。
I will speak the truth.
にに
[ni]
by, in
A particle that typically means 'by' or 'in', used to form adverbial phrases.
日本に住んでいます。
I live in Japan.
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