How to Say ‘Really?’ in Japanese
本当ですか。
hontou desu ka
[hohn-toh dess kah]
🇯🇵 In Japan: A response like this is often not real disbelief — it's a modest way to receive praise. A good next move is to briefly confirm it rather than overdo the compliment.
Phrase Breakdown
本当
hontou
[hohn-toh]
really; true
Used to react with surprise or to check if something is true.
ほめられて、本当ですかと少し照れながら聞きました。
After being complimented, I asked “Really?” a little shyly.
です
desu
[dess]
is; am; are
A polite copula used in simple polite reactions and questions.
本当ですかの「です」でやわらかい言い方になります。
The “desu” in “Hontou desu ka” makes it softer.
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Turns the reaction into a polite question.
本当ですかの「か」で確認する気持ちを表します。
The “ka” in “Hontou desu ka” expresses wanting to confirm.
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