정말
jeongmal[ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)ŋma̠ɭ]
The English phrase "oh really" is expressed in Korean as 정말 (jeongmal).
정말 is an expression used to show surprise or to ask for confirmation when someone says something unexpected. In casual conversation, you can use just 정말? with a rising intonation to express surprise.
Which one should you use?
While 정말 is the standard way to say "really", the word 진짜 is a very common colloquial alternative used to express "really" or "for real".
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the word into a complete, polite question, you can add the polite ending –이에요 to make 정말이에요? For an informal question, the casual ending –이야 is added to create 정말이야?
How do you pronounce it?
jeongmal
Did you know?
- The word 말 in 정말 is a homonym in Korean, meaning both 'word' and 'horse'.
- While 정말 and 진짜 both mean 'really', 진짜 originally referred to 'authentic' objects, like genuine leather versus fake leather.
- While 정말 is perfect for showing surprise, using it with a falling intonation can instead turn the phrase into a firm statement meaning 'It is the truth'.
Examples in context
- 그 영화 정말 재미있던데! Person B: 정말이에요?Person A: That movie was really fun! Person B: Is that really so?
- 내일은 시험이 없어! Person B: 진짜야?Person A: We don't have a test tomorrow! Person B: Really?
- 정말요?jeongmal-yo?Oh, really?
Example conversation
Hyunwoo tells Subin that he won a prize.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저 오늘 상을 받았어요!jeo oneul sang-eul badasseoyo!I won an award today!
- 수빈 Su-bin정말요? 축하해요!jeongmal-yo? chukha-haeyo!Oh, really? Congratulations!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워요, 수빈 씨.gomawoyo, Subin ssi.Thank you, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 멋지네요!jeongmal meotjinneyo!That is truly wonderful!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 정말, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
