真
zhēn
The English word "true" is translated into Chinese as 真 (zhēn), which is the default form. Wiktionary also lists 真實 / 真实 (zhēnshí).
Meaning: concurring with a given set of facts (adj)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 真 | zhēn |
| 真實 / 真实 | zhēnshí |
The term is used to describe things that concur with a given set of facts. In spoken Chinese, 真 is frequently used as an adverb meaning "really" to emphasize an adjective, such as 真好 (really good).
Which one should you use?
While 真 is a basic term for truth, 真實 is used when discussing the authenticity or factual accuracy of something, such as 'true stories' or 'real feelings', rather than just a simple 'true/false' distinction. Additionally, 真正 emphasizes the concept of "genuine" or "truly" in formal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 真 as an adjective to mean 'true' in a sentence like 'It is true', it is common to add the particle 的 to form 真的.
How do you pronounce it?
zhēn
Did you know?
- The ancient characters for 真 were once written using the symbol for a 'cowrie shell', a type of shell used as currency in early China.
Examples in context
- 这不是真的。This is not true.This sentence is useful for expressing that something is not 真.Tatoeba #409219 by GlossaMatik, translation #370573 by saeb
- 那叫做真愛。That's called true love.This sentence is useful for describing the concept of 真 love.Tatoeba #3748346 by egg0073, translation #4008921 by JSakuragi
- 这就是真爱。This is true love.This sentence is useful for identifying 真 love.Tatoeba #4761445 by billt_estates, translation #1607904 by CM
- 真的吗? (zhēnde ma?)Is it true?
- 实话实说 (shíhuà shíshuō)Speak truthfully.
- 149 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student is checking the accuracy of a statement in a textbook.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这个说法是真的吗？Zhège shuōfǎ shì zhēn de ma?Is this statement true?
- 俊杰 Junjie是的，这是真的。Shì de, zhè shì zhēn de.Yes, it is true.
- 佳怡 Jiayi那太好了。Nà tài hǎole.That's great.
- 俊杰 Junjie我们要确保资料是准确的。Wǒmen yào quèbǎo zīliào shì zhǔnquè de.We need to ensure the data is accurate.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “true” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 真, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
