本当

• Reading: ほんとう
• Romaji: hontou
• Kanji breakdown: 本 (hon) — origin, true; 当 (tou) — hit, correct
• Pronunciation: /hoɴ.toː/

Meaning

Truth; reality; fact. As an adverb (本当に): really; truly; genuinely.

Functions as both a noun (本当のこと = the truth) and, with に, as an adverb meaning 'really' or 'truly' (本当にありがとう = truly thank you). The casual form ほんとに or ほんとう is extremely common in conversation. 本当ですか is a standard way to express surprise.

Examples

1. 本当にありがとうございます。 Thank you so much, really.
2. それは本当ですか。 Is that true?
3. 本当においしい料理でした。 That was a truly delicious meal.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, emphasis, gratitude

Tone: sincere

Origin & History

Composed of 本 (hon, origin/true) and 当 (tou, hit/correct). Together they mean 'hitting the truth' — the real, correct state of affairs.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal