How to Say "True" in Japanese

真実の

shinjitsu-no

The English word "true" can be translated into Japanese as 真実の (shinjitsu-no) or 本当な.

Meaning: concurring with a given set of facts (adj)

Ways to say it

“true” in Japanese
Japanese	Romanization (Wiktionary)
真実の	shinjitsu-no
本当な	hontō-na

Both terms describe something that is concurring with a given set of facts.

English speakers often mistake the noun 真実 (shinjitsu) for an adjective, but it requires the particle の to modify a noun like 真実の物語 (a true story).

shinjitsu-no

English speakers often mistake the noun 真実 (shinjitsu) for an adjective. However, it requires the particle の to modify a noun.

While 真実 (shinjitsu) means 'truth', using it in casual conversation can make you sound like a character in a dramatic mystery novel or a courtroom drama.
When describing a 'true' feeling or a 'true' heart, Japanese often uses the word 純粋 (junsui), meaning 'pure', rather than a word for 'factual' truth.
If you want to say something is 'true' in the sense of 'real' or 'not a fake', Japanese speakers often prefer the word 本物 (honmono) over the literal translations of 'true'.

この話って本当なの？
Is this story true?
This sentence is useful for asking if a story is true using 本当な.
Tatoeba #8689758 by small_snow, translation #4495048 by CK
トムの話は本当なの？
Is Tom's story true?
This sentence is useful for asking if Tom's story is true using 本当な.
Tatoeba #8772390 by bunbuku, translation #7850710 by CK
本当なんでしょうか？
Is that true?
This sentence is useful for asking if something is true using 本当な.
Tatoeba #10953688 by small_snow, translation #322153 by CK
彼の言葉は真実だ。
His words are true.
彼の提案は本当に素晴らしい。
His proposal is truly wonderful.
その映画は本当に面白かったよ。
That movie was really interesting.
彼の腕相撲の力、マジですごいんだよ！
His arm wrestling strength is seriously amazing!
67 more sentences on Tatoeba

Ren and Yui are discussing a shocking news story.

蓮 Ren

このニュースは真実の物語だと思いますか？
Kono nyūsu wa shinjitsu no monogatari da to omoimasu ka?
Do you think this news is a true story?
結衣 Yui

ええ、証拠があるから間違いありません。
Ee, shōko ga aru kara machigai arimasen.
Yes, there is evidence, so there is no mistake.
蓮 Ren

真実の姿を知るのは怖いですね。
Shinjitsu no sugata o shiru no wa kowai desu ne.
It's scary to know the true nature of things, isn't it?
結衣 Yui

でも、真実を知ることは大切です。
Demo, shinjitsu o shiru koto wa taisetsu desu.
But it is important to know the truth.

Sources

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