本当に
hontō ni
The English phrase "truly" can be translated into Japanese as 本当に (hontō ni).
本当に is a common way to express "truly," "honestly," or "genuinely" in Japanese. It is suitable for both written and spoken language and is used to emphasize the truth or the degree of a state.
Meaning: honestly, genuinely (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The adverb 本当に is formed by adding the particle に to the noun 本当, which means "truth" or "reality".
Which one should you use?
While 本当に is highly versatile and common in daily conversation, other terms offer different nuances. For example, 真に carries a sense of truthfulness and sincerity and is often used in formal settings like speeches or writing. Another option, 実際に, is used to emphasize the actuality or reality of something, often in formal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used to modify a verb or an adjective, 本当に functions as an adverb.
How do you pronounce it?
hontō ni
Did you know?
- The kanji 本 in 本当 refers to a 'root' or 'origin'. This implies that something is 'truly' true because it originates from the actual source of the matter.
- In polite social interactions, 本当に is often paired with a head nod or a slight bow to physically signal the sincerity of the statement.
- If you want to say 'really' in a slangy, much more casual way, you might hear Japanese youth use マジで instead of 本当に.
Examples in context
- 本当に疲れた。I was truly tired.This sentence shows how to use 本当に to express being truly tired.Tatoeba #10976114 by small_snow, translation #11009313 by terrywallwork
- 本当に感じの悪い人ね。That person truly feels like a bad person, right.This sentence uses 本当に to describe a person who feels like a bad person.Tatoeba #11108118 by small_snow, translation #13674083 by terrywallwork
- 本当に、懲りない人だね。Truly, you are a person who will not learn from experience.This sentence uses 本当に to emphasize a statement about someone's behavior.Tatoeba #10589901 by small_snow, translation #10609828 by terrywallwork
- 彼の言葉は本当に素晴らしかった。His words were truly wonderful.
- 実際にその効果を実感した。I truly experienced the effect.
- 真に心から感謝しています。I truly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.
- 彼の才能、ホントにすごいよね。His talent is truly amazing, right?
- まじで驚いたよ！I was truly surprised!
- 彼、めっちゃいい人だよ。He's truly a great person!
- ほんまに楽しかったわ。It was truly fun.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are talking about a movie they just watched.
- 蓮 Renあの映画、本当に面白かったね。Ano eiga, hontō ni omoshirokatta ne.That movie was truly interesting, wasn't it?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、本当に感動したよ。Un, hontō ni kandō shita yo.Yeah, I was truly moved.
- 蓮 Ren美咲も気に入ってくれてよかった。Misaki mo kiniitte kurete yokatta.I'm glad you liked it too, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misaki最高の休日だったよ。Saikō no kyūjitsu datta yo.It was the best holiday.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
