真的

• Pinyin: zhēn de
• Hanzi breakdown: 真 = 十 (ten) + 目 (eye) + 一 + 八 — original meaning 'genuine, true'; 的 = structural particle

Meaning

Really; truly. Used to emphasise that something is genuine or to express surprise.

A very common expression in daily Chinese. Can function as an adverb meaning 'really/truly' before verbs and adjectives, or as an exclamation expressing surprise. Also used as a question — 真的吗？ — to express disbelief. The standalone 真 can also be used as an adverb with a similar meaning.

Examples

1. 这个菜真的很好吃。 This dish is really delicious.
2. 你真的要去中国吗？ Are you really going to China?
3. 他说的是真的。 What he said is true.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, emphasis

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 真的吗？我不信！(Really? I don't believe it!)
• 今天真的很冷。(It's really cold today.)

Don't Say

• 这是真的的东西。(Don't double 的 — say 这是真的东西 or 这是真正的东西)

Origin & History

Composed of 真 (true/genuine) + 的 (particle). 真 originally depicted an upright person or a person transforming — something authentic.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal