“true” in Japanese: 本当 (hontō)

How to say “true” in Japanese

“True” in Japanese is 本当 (hontō). 本当 can also mean “truth”.

本当 (hontō) marks something as matching the facts or reality, not merely appearing so.

本当のことを言ってください。hon tō no ko to o i tte ku da sa i

Please tell the truth.

その話が本当なら、みんなに知らせてください。so no hanashi ga hon tō na ra mi n na ni shi ra se te ku da sa i

If that story is true, please tell everyone.

In conversation, 本当 (hontō) often stands alone as a question meaning "Really?" when a speaker hears surprising information.