真的吗？
zhēnde ma?
Really · trad. 真的嗎？
真的吗？ (Zhēn de ma) is a common and versatile way to express surprise or to confirm information, meaning 'Really?' or 'Is that true?' It's a universal surprised reaction.
What does 真的吗？ (zhēnde ma?) mean?
真的吗？ (zhēnde ma?) means “really” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “true particle question.”
When to use it
Neutral and widely used. It can convey genuine surprise or a simple request for confirmation. For stronger disbelief or shock, you might use 真的？！ (Zhēn de?!) with a more emphatic tone.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like 'jen duh MAH.' The 'de' is usually said lightly, and 'ma' is a neutral tone question particle.
Other ways to say it
- 真的？！zhēnde?!Really?!
- 是真的吗？shì zhēnde ma?Is it true?
- 不会吧？bú huì ba?No way! / Impossible!
Examples
你明天要走了？真的吗？
nǐ míngtiān yào zǒule? zhēnde ma?
You're leaving tomorrow? Really?
他真的赢了彩票吗？
tā zhēnde yíngle cǎipiào ma?
Did he really win the lottery?
真的吗？我简直不敢相信！
zhēnde ma? wǒ jiǎnzhí bù gǎn xiāngxìn!
Really? I can hardly believe it!
Pro tip: The question particle 吗 (ma) makes it a simple question, but the tone of voice can add layers of surprise, doubt, or excitement.
Related phrases
你有时间吗？ · Do you have time什么意思？ · What does it mean怎么样？ · How is it or how about it
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