本 当(ほんとう)

ほんとう

noun

truth, reality

See also: ほんと (casual form)

1. truth, reality

What is true or real, as opposed to what is false or imaginary.

本当(ほんとう)ですか。

Is that true? / Really?

Very common expression of surprise or confirmation

それは本当(ほんとう)の話(はなし)です。

That's a true story.

本当(ほんとう)の事(こと)を教(おし)えてください。

Please tell me the truth.

2. really, truly (adverbial use)

Used adverbially to emphasize sincerity or confirm something is true.

本当(ほんとう)にすみません。

I'm really sorry.

本当(ほんとう)においしいです。

It's really delicious.

本当(ほんとう)にありがとうございます。

Thank you so much. (Really, thank you.)

本当(ほんとう) means 'truth' as a noun, but is very commonly used adverbially and in set expressions.

Common expressions

本当(ほんとう)ですか: Is that true? / Really?
本当(ほんとう)に: really, truly (adverb)
本当(ほんとう)の事(こと): the truth
本当(ほんとう)の話(はなし): a true story

Casual forms

ほんと?: Really? (casual)
ほんとに: Really (casual adverb)
マジ?: Seriously? (slang, similar meaning)

Usage as modifier

本当(ほんとう)の + noun = real/true ~

本当(ほんとう)の友達(ともだち): a true friend
本当(ほんとう)の気持(きも)ち: one's true feelings

Usage

本当(ほんとう)ですか can express either genuine inquiry or surprise, depending on intonation.

Related Words

Antonym: 嘘(うそ) (lie)

Related: ほんま (Kansai dialect)

Compare: 真理(しんり) (truth, ultimate truth)

Compare: 誠(まこと) (sincerity)

Compare: 実(じつ) (real)

Compare: 真(しん) (truth)

general

Added 2026.1.7 21:06 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29

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