How to Say ‘Really?’ in Japanese
本当ですか。
hontou desu ka
[hontou desu ka]
🇯🇵 In Japan: [本当ですか。] is common and natural when reacting with interest, but in business settings the tone matters. Said warmly it shows engagement; said too sharply, it can sound like doubt.
Phrase Breakdown
本当
hontou
[hontou]
really; true
Used when confirming truth or showing surprise.
その求人の話は本当ですか。
Is that job posting story true?
ですか
desu ka
is it?
Polite question ending used to confirm information.
そうですか。
Is that so?
Words in this phrase
です
desu
[desu]
is; am; are
A polite copula used in formal conversation.
それは本当ですか。と驚きました。
I was surprised and said, 'Really?'
か
ka
[ka]
question marker
Marks the sentence as a polite question.
本当ですか。と相手に確認しました。
I checked with the other person by saying, 'Really?'
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