synonym Comparative
本当
VS
まことに
Differences Between "本当" and "まことに"
Option A
本当
Meaning
true; real; really; truly
Reading
ほんとう (hontō)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
その話は本当ですか。
Is that story true?
Option B
まことに
Meaning
truly, indeed, really, very
Reading
まことに (makotoni)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
お忙しいところを、まことに恐縮ですが。
I am truly sorry to bother you when you are busy.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(true; real; really; truly)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 本当: Can be used as a noun (本当のこと - the truth), a な-adjective (本当の話 - a true story), or an adverb (本当に嬉しい - really happy). Often used in questions to express surprise or confirm information. (名詞、な形容詞、副詞として使われます。「本当ですか？」のように驚きや確認の質問でよく使われます。)
- まことに: Adverb. A somewhat formal or polite way to emphasize the truth or extent of something. More formal than 「本当に」 or 「実に」. Often used in apologies, thanks, or expressing profound feelings.
- 本当: Can be used as a noun (本当のこと - the truth), a な-adjective (本当の話 - a true story), or an adverb (本当に嬉しい - really happy). Often used in questions to express surprise or confirm information. (名詞、な形容詞、副詞として使われます。「本当ですか？」のように驚きや確認の質問でよく使われます。)
- まことに: Adverb. A somewhat formal or polite way to emphasize the truth or extent of something. More formal than 「本当に」 or 「実に」. Often used in apologies, thanks, or expressing profound feelings.
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