How to Say ‘Really; truly’ in Japanese
ほんとうに
hontou ni
[hohn-toh nee]
💬 Usage Tip: [ほんとうに] is a very useful adverb meaning “really” or “truly.” It adds warm emphasis, like saying “That was genuinely good!”
🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese compliments are often softened but sincere. Adding [ほんとうに] makes praise feel heartfelt without sounding too dramatic.
Phrase Breakdown
ほんとう
hontou
[hohn-toh]
real / true
The base word meaning 'real' or 'true'; in this phrase it helps form 'really.'
ほんとうにすごいショットだったよ。
That was a truly amazing shot.
に
ni
[nee]
-ly / in a ... way
A particle that can turn some words into adverbs, like making 'true' become 'really.'
ほんとうにきれいなスイングだね。
That’s a really beautiful swing.
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