ほんと

ほんと
noun, adverb, na-adjective
really; truly; truth (casual)
informalexpression
See also: 本当(ほんとう) (standard form)
1. really; truly; indeed
casual form of 本当(ほんとう), used as an adverb to emphasize the truth or sincerity of a statement
ほんと？信(しん)じられない！
Really? I can't believe it!
ほんとにごめんね。
I'm really sorry.
ほんとにほんとだよ。
It's really, really true.
ほんと、助(たす)かった。
Really, that was a big help.
2. truth; reality
the actual state of affairs; what is true or real
ほんとのことを言(い)って。
Tell me the truth.
あの話(はなし)、ほんとだったんだ。
That story was true after all.

Casual speech

ほんと is the casual, contracted form of 本当(ほんとう). It's extremely common in everyday conversation and informal writing.

Common patterns

  • ほんと？ - Really? (rising intonation, expressing surprise)
  • ほんとに - really, truly (adverb)
  • ほんとのこと - the truth
  • ほんとだ - it's true

Formality note

Use 本当(ほんとう) in formal contexts:

Related words

Related Words

Related: マジ (for real)
Related: 本気(ほんき) (serious, earnest)
general
Added 2026.1.28 13:46 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
08500/08758_honto