Korean Dictionary
How to say "Seriously" in Korean
“Seriously” in Korean is 진짜 (pronounced "chincha").
진짜
chincha
Usage & Context
An emphatic way to express sincerity or to question someone's truthfulness. This word is used throughout K-dramas to add emphasis to statements or to express disbelief. It's a key word for understanding character emotions.
Example Sentence
진짜 그런 거야?
Seriously, is that true?
How to use 진짜 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Seriously” is 진짜, romanized as chincha.
Usage tip
Drama lines are memorable, but some expressions are emotional or exaggerated compared with everyday Korean.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 진짜.
Pronunciation Guide
"진짜" (chincha) is pronounced like "jin-jah." The "jin" is similar to the "gin" in "ginger," and "jja" is a tense 'j' sound, like the 'ja' in "jam" but with more emphasis, almost like a double 'j' sound.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
진짜요?
jinjja-yo?
Adding '요' makes it a polite question, 'Really?' or 'Is it true?'
More Example Sentences
Reacting with excitement and disbelief to a friend's good news.
진짜? 대박! 축하해!
Really? Awesome! Congratulations!
Recommending food to a friend with strong emphasis.
이거 진짜 맛있어. 꼭 먹어봐.
This is really delicious. You must try it.
Expressing genuine concern for someone's well-being.
너 진짜 괜찮아? 얼굴이 안 좋아 보여.
Are you really okay? You don't look well.
Cultural Context
"진짜" is an incredibly versatile and frequently used word in Korean, serving as an emphatic adverb or an exclamation. It can express surprise, disbelief, agreement, or emphasize sincerity. In K-dramas, characters often use it to question the truthfulness of a statement ("진짜?") or to affirm something with conviction ("진짜!"). It's a key indicator of emotional intensity and authenticity in conversation.
Editorial note
We review drama-style expressions like 진짜 for tone, because lines that sound natural in a scene can feel too emotional or direct in everyday Korean.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
진짜?
Really?
진짜야.
It's true. / Really.
진짜 예쁘다!
So pretty! / Really pretty!
Related Expressions
정말
jeongmal
Really / Truly (slightly more formal or standard than 진짜)
참
cham
Truly / Indeed (often used for emphasis or agreement)
레알
real
Real (slang, derived from English 'real')
진심
jinsim
Sincerity / True heart (noun)
More K-Drama Expressions Words
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