Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Really" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "really", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
本当に
ほんとうに (hontou ni)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
実に
じつに (jitsuni)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "really" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 本当に and 実に.
In Japanese, 本当に (ほんとうに (hontou ni)) is typically associated with "really; truly; genuinely" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An adverb used to emphasize the truth or intensity of something. It can also be used to ask if something is true. 真実性や物事の程度を強調する副詞です。疑問文でも使われます。.
On the other hand, 実に (じつに (jitsuni)) maps to "really, truly" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "really" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "本当に"
この映画は本当に面白かったです。
This movie was really interesting.
Bilingual Context for "実に"
私は実にに興味があります。
I am interested in really, truly.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この映画は ＿＿＿ 面白かったです。" (Meaning: "This movie was really interesting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "本当に" fits here because it means "really; truly; genuinely" in the context of: "This movie was really interesting.". "実に" represents "really, truly".