진실
jinsil[t͡ɕinɕʰiɭ]
The English word 'truth' is translated into Korean as 진실 (jinsil).
진실 refers to conformity to fact or reality, specifically used when discussing abstract or moral truths. To express the act of telling the truth, you can use the phrase 진실을 말하다. If you want to use an adverb to mean 'really' or 'truly' to emphasize a point, the word 정말 is used.
Meaning: conformity to fact or reality (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 진실 is used for abstract or moral truth, the word 사실 is used when referring to factual truth or a specific fact.
How does it change in a sentence?
When 진실 is the direct object of a verb, such as 'to tell' or 'to know', you must add the object marker 을 to form 진실을. The adjective form of this noun is 진실한, which means 'truthful'.
How do you pronounce it?
jinsil
Did you know?
- The character 實 in 진실 is the same character used in the word for 'fruit' or 'result'. This suggests that, linguistically, 'truth' is seen as something that has become solid or has borne fruit.
- While 진실 is the abstract noun for truth, Koreans often use the word 참, an indigenous Korean word, when speaking about truth in a more poetic or traditional sense.
- In Korean pop culture, the 'Truth Game' is called 진실 게임. It is a popular social icebreaker where players must answer personal questions honestly.
Examples in context
- 단 하나의 진실은 현실이다.The only truth is reality.Tatoeba #6305283 by Queserasera, translation #6305186 by Adelpa
- 우리는 곧 진실을 알게 될거야.We'll learn the truth soon.Tatoeba #8363844 by Eunhee, translation #5077300 by CK
- 진실을 말하자면, 그는 인간이 아냐.To tell the truth, he is not a human being.Tatoeba #8365137 by Eunhee, translation #322216 by CK
- 진실을 말씀해 주세요.Tell me the truth.
- 진짜로 말하는 거야.I'm telling the truth.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a mystery in a movie.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 그 영화의 진실이 궁금해요.Jihun ssi, geu yeonghwaui jinsiri gunggeumhaeyo.Jihun, I am curious about the truth of that movie.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨, 반전이 정말 놀라울 거예요.Subin ssi, banjeoni jeongmal nollaul geoyeyo.Subin, the twist will be really surprising.
- 수빈 Su-bin진실을 알면 정말 깜짝 놀랄까요?Jinsireul almyeon jeongmal kkamjjak nollalkkayo?Will I be really shocked if I know the truth?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아마도 그럴 것 같아요.Amado geureol geot gatayo.Probably so.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 진실, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
