How to say “Really” in Japanese

本当ですか
ほんとうですかhontō desu ka
expressionEveryday phrases
The short answer

“Really” in Japanese is 本当ですか (ほんとうですか), pronounced hontō desu ka.

Pronunciation

The phrase has 7 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or use the play button above for the whole phrase:

How to use it

Polite “really?”. Among friends: , or the slangy .

Example sentences

  • 本当ですか。すごいですね。ほんとうですか。すごいですね。
    Really? That’s amazing.
  • え、ほんと?え、ほんと?
    What, really?
MeaningJapaneseReading
casualほんと? honto?

Quick practice

Test yourself0/3
  1. What does {{本当ですか}} mean?

  2. How do you read {{本当ですか}}?

  3. Which word means “It's hot today”?

FAQ

How do you say Really in Japanese?

Really in Japanese is 本当ですか (ほんとうですか), pronounced “hontō desu ka”.

How do you write Really in Japanese?

It's written 本当ですか with kanji, or ほんとうですか in hiragana. Both are read hontō desu ka.