ほんと

ほんと
noun, adverb, na-adjective
really; truly; truth (casual)
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.

USAGE 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:

  • 本当(ほんとう)ですか？ - Is that true? (polite)
  • 本当(ほんとう)に申(もう)し訳(わけ)ございません - I am truly sorry (very formal)

RELATED EXPRESSIONS:

  • マジ - for real (slang)
  • 本気(ほんき) - serious, earnest
general
Added 2026.1.28 13:46
08500/08758_honto