Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| naprawdę | /naˈprav.dɛ/ /naˈprav.dɛw̃/ |
|
| zaprawdę | /zaˈprav.dɛ/ /zaˈprav.dɛw̃/ |
archaic |
The word naprawdę is used as an adverb to mean 'actually'. It can also function as an interjection to indicate affirmation or agreement.
What does it mean word for word?
The form naprawdę is a compound of na (on/upon) and prawda (truth).
Which one should you use?
While naprawdę is a neutral way to say 'really', the word doprawdy is often used to express irritation or skepticism toward someone's behavior. Additionally, właśnie can also be used as an interjection to indicate affirmation or agreement.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal way to express 'really', you can use Rzeczywiście. The form zaprawdę is archaic and is typically found in religious texts or high-register literature.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /naˈprav.dɛ/.
Did you know?
- The word prawda inside naprawdę is related to the concept of being 'straight' or 'right', linking the idea of truth to a straight line.
- The common word naprawdę is a relatively recent addition to the language, with its first recorded use only appearing at the end of the 19th century.
- The Ukrainian word напра́вду (naprávdu) is a linguistic relative of the Polish naprawdę, following a very similar construction.
Examples in context
- To naprawdę był cud.It really was a miracle.This sentence uses naprawdę to emphasize that something was a miracle.Tatoeba #6306760 by fau, translation #3151830 by carlosalberto
- To jest naprawdę Tom?Is it really Tom?This sentence uses naprawdę to question if someone is truly whom they appear to be.Tatoeba #3897189 by jeedrek, translation #2262061 by CK
- Ja naprawdę tego chcę.I really do want that.This sentence uses naprawdę to express a strong desire or intention.Tatoeba #591534 by Bilberry, translation #435168 by CK
- Czy naprawdę zamierzasz pójść na zebranie?Do you really intend to go to the meeting?
- To jest rzeczywiście bardzo interesujące badanie naukowe.This is indeed a very interesting scientific study.
- Serio? Nie wiedziałem, że jesteś również zainteresowany grami komputerowymi!Really? I didn't know you were also interested in computer games!
- Naprawdę kocham twoje nowe zdjęcia na Instagramie!I really love your new photos on Instagram!
- Naprawdę warto zobaczyć tę nową wystawę w muzeum.It's really worth seeing the new exhibition in the museum.
- 492 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Piotr and Agnieszka are talking about a new restaurant in town.
- PiotrCzy ta pizza jest naprawdę dobra?Is this pizza really good?
- AgnieszkaTak, jest naprawdę pyszna.Yes, it is really delicious.
- PiotrMusimy tu często przychodzić.We must come here often.
- AgnieszkaZgadzam się, Piotr.I agree, Piotr.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “really” translations and entries naprawdę, zaprawdę, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries naprawdę, zaprawdę, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
