本当に？
hontō ni?
The English phrase "are you sure?" is translated into Japanese as 本当に？ (hontō ni?)
This phrase is used to confirm if someone is telling the truth or is certain about something. While it is used to confirm truth, it is more often used to express surprise at a piece of information rather than questioning someone's certainty in a confrontational way.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb hontō ni, which means really or truly.
Which one should you use?
Other forms exist for different levels of certainty and social contexts. Use 本当にそうなの？ to say "Are you sure about that?" and 本当に確かなの？ to say "Are you really sure?" in informal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality varies significantly with different versions. For a polite version suitable for use with strangers or superiors, you can use 本当ですか？, which adds desu ka to the end. In formal situations, you can use 本当にそうですか？ For extremely informal settings among close friends, the slang term マジで？ can be used to mean "Seriously?" to express disbelief.
How do you pronounce it?
hontō ni?
Did you know?
- The slang term マジで? originates from the word 真面目 (majime), which means 'serious' or 'earnest'. Over time, this word was shortened and transformed into the modern, casual way to express disbelief.
- The word 本当 is written with characters meaning 'true' and 'border' or 'boundary'. This implies a truth that is grounded in a physical reality or a limit.
- In Japanese culture, if someone asks you 本当に? after you make a statement, they are often giving you an opening to correct yourself or provide more detail without losing face.
Examples in context
- 本当にそうですか？その情報は本当に正しいですか？Are you sure? Is that information really correct?
- 本当に確かですか？もう一度確認してもいいですか？Are you absolutely sure? May I confirm it once more?
- 本当にそうなの？それで本当にいいの？Are you sure about that? And is it really okay?
- 本当に確かなの？間違いないの？Are you really sure? No mistakes?
Example conversation
Misaki tells Hiroto that she found his lost wallet.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔、財布を見つけたよ。Hiroto, saifu o mitsuketa yo.Hiroto, I found your wallet.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当に？Hontō ni?Are you sure?
- 美咲 Misaki本当だよ、机の上にあったよ。Hontō da yo, tsukue no ue ni atta yo.It's true, it was on the desk.
- 大翔 Hirotoよかった、ありがとう！Yokatta, arigatō!Thank goodness, thank you!
