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How to Say ‘Really?’ in Simplified Chinese

真的吗?

zhēn de ma

[jen-duh ma]

💬 Usage Tip: [真的吗?] literally means “is it true?” but in conversation it works just like “Really?” or “No way?”

🇨🇳 In China: This phrase is super common in Chinese reactions. It can show surprise, curiosity, or playful disbelief depending on tone.

Phrase Breakdown

真的

zhēn de

[jen-duh]

real; true

Means real or true. In conversation, 真的 often expresses surprise or asks for confirmation.

Example

真的吗?你也支持德国队?

Really? You also support Germany?

ma

[ma]

question particle

A particle placed at the end of a sentence to turn it into a yes-no question.

Example

真的吗?他会来吗?

Really? Will he come?

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