What does it mean word for word?
The word vraiment is formed from the adjective vrai (true) and the adverbial suffix -ment.
Which one should you use?
While vraiment can be used as an intensifier (e.g., 'really good'), it is also used to express surprise or seek confirmation. If you want to express strong agreement or affirmation in an informal way, you might use carrément.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, vraiment is invariable, meaning it does not change its form to match the gender or number of the subject or the adjective it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /vʁɛ.mɑ̃/. It has 2 syllables.
When do people say it?
When someone shares surprising news with you, a very common and natural way to respond is to say Ah bon ? (meaning 'Really?' or 'Is that so?'). While Vraiment ? is used, Ah bon ? often sounds more idiomatic in conversation.
Did you know?
- If you want to say something is 'really' or 'totally' something in an informal setting, you can use the word carrément. While it literally relates to 'square', it functions as a powerful intensifier in casual speech.
- To express extreme disbelief or a 'really?' that borders on 'no way', French speakers might use the slang word sérieux ?
- The French word vraiment shares a common linguistic ancestor with the Italian word veramente. Both stems trace back to the concept of truth and reality.
Examples in context
- Oh ! Vraiment ?Oh! Really?This sentence shows how to use vraiment to express surprise.Tatoeba #10144 by qdii, translation #515907 by FeuDRenais
- Tu es vraiment bon.You really are good.This sentence demonstrates using vraiment to intensify an adjective.Tatoeba #6930165 by Aiji, translation #2713659 by CK
- Ça pue vraiment ici.It really stinks in here.This sentence shows how to use vraiment to emphasize a quality.Tatoeba #5122093 by gege_veggie, translation #5105691 by honestlang
- Je suis vraiment content de te rencontrer.I'm really happy to meet you.
- Ce travail est vraiment important.This work is really important.
- Tu es vraiment talentueux.You're really talented.
- Ce projet est réellement impressionnant.This project is really impressive.
- Elle a réellement réussi.She really succeeded.
- C'était vachement bien, ce film !That movie was really good!
- Il est vachement drôle.He's really funny.
- C'est carrément incroyable !It's really unbelievable!
- 3148 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing the difficulty of a new project.
- LéaC'est vraiment difficile, non ?It is really difficult, isn't it?
- GabrielOui, c'est un vrai défi.Yes, it is a real challenge.
- LéaTu es vraiment courageux de le faire.You are really brave to do it.
- GabrielMerci, j'essaie de faire de mon mieux.Thanks, I am trying my best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “really” translations and entries vraiment, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vraiment, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
