Korean Dictionary
How to say "Really" in Korean
“Really” in Korean is 진짜 (pronounced "jinja").
진짜
jinja
Usage & Context
A casual way to say really or truly. This common word is used throughout K-dramas to express sincerity or to question the truth of something. It's essential vocabulary for understanding natural Korean dialogue.
Example Sentence
진짜? 정말이야?
Really? Are you serious?
How to use 진짜 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Really” is 진짜, romanized as jinja.
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
Pronounce '진짜' as "jin-jja". 'Jin' is like 'jin' in 'ginger'. 'Jja' is a tense, double 'j' sound, like the 'zz' in 'pizza' but with a 'j' sound, or a sharply emphasized 'ja'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
정말
jeongmal
This is the more formal and standard word for 'really' or 'truly', used in polite or formal contexts.
More Example Sentences
Expressing genuine surprise and pleasure over food.
와, 진짜 맛있다! 이거 어디서 샀어?
Wow, it's really delicious! Where did you buy this?
Questioning the truthfulness of a surprising statement from a friend.
진짜? 거짓말 아니지?
Really? You're not lying, are you?
Confiding in a friend about feeling exhausted.
나 진짜 피곤해. 오늘은 일찍 자야겠어.
I'm really tired. I should go to bed early today.
Cultural Context
'진짜' is one of the most common and versatile words in everyday Korean conversation, frequently heard in K-dramas. It can function as an exclamation ('Really?!'), an adverb ('really good'), or even a noun ('the truth'). Its casual nature makes it perfect for expressing genuine emotion, surprise, or emphasis among friends and family. While '정말' (jeongmal) is its more formal counterpart, '진짜' is preferred in most casual settings for its directness and emotional punch.
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?
진짜 대박
It's really awesome / amazing
진짜 예쁘다
It's really pretty
Related Expressions
정말
jeongmal
Really / Truly (more formal)
진짜로
jinjjaro
Really / Truly (adverbial form)
레알
real
Real (internet slang, from English 'real')
거짓말
geojitmal
Lie / Untruth
More K-Drama Expressions Words
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