真

• Pinyin: zhēn
• Hanzi breakdown: 真 = 十 (ten) + 目 (eye) + lower component — seeing clearly, hence 'true/real'

Meaning

Really; truly; real. Expresses emphasis or authenticity.

As an adverb, 真 intensifies adjectives and verbs, meaning 'really/truly.' As an adjective, it means 'real/genuine' as opposed to fake. Very common in exclamations (真好！真的吗？). Often interchangeable with 很 for emphasis, but 真 carries stronger surprise or sincerity.

Examples

1. 今天天气真好！ The weather is really nice today!
2. 这个菜真好吃。 This dish is really delicious.
3. 你说的是真的吗？ Is what you said true?

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, exclamation

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 你真厉害！(You're really amazing!)
• 这件事是真的。(This matter is true/real.)

Don't Say

• 说'真很好'来加强语气。(Don't stack 真 and 很 together — say 真好 or 很好, not 真很好)

Origin & History

The upper part contains 十 and 目 (eye), suggesting seeing something clearly. The character conveys the idea of perceiving truth directly with one's own eyes.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal