How to Say ‘Really?’ in Japanese
本当ですか。
hontou desu ka
[hohn-toh dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: [本当ですか] means “Really?” or “Is that true?” It sounds polite and natural.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Use a gentle tone with [本当ですか]. In Japan, strong intonation can sound more shocked or skeptical than you intend.
Phrase Breakdown
本当
hontou
[hohn-toh]
really; true
Expresses surprise and asks whether something is true.
本当ですか。とてもうれしいです。
Really? I am very happy.
ですか
desu ka
is it?; really?
A polite question ending used to confirm information or express surprise.
大丈夫ですか。
Are you okay?
Words in this phrase
です
desu
[dess]
is; am; are
Polite copula used in the question phrase.
本当ですか。今知りました。
Really? I just found out now.
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Turns the statement into a polite question.
本当ですか。少し驚きました。
Really? I was a little surprised.
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