Korean Dictionary
How to say "Really?" in Korean
“Really?” in Korean is 정말요 (pronounced "Jeongmalyo").
정말요
Jeongmalyo
Usage & Context
An expression of surprise, disbelief, or genuine curiosity. 진짜요 is a more casual alternative meaning the same thing. These words are extremely common in Korean conversations and serve as engaged listening responses showing you're following along.
Example Sentence
어제 BTS를 봤어요! —정말요? 어디서요?
I saw BTS yesterday! —Really? Where?
How to use 정말요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Really?” is 정말요, romanized as Jeongmalyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
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 정말요.
Pronunciation Guide
The '정' (jeong) sounds like 'jung' in 'jungle'. '말' (mal) is like 'mahl' in 'marble' but with a softer 'l' sound. '요' (yo) is like 'yo' in 'yogurt'. Combine as 'Jeong-mahl-yo', with the 'ㄹ' blending smoothly into '요'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
정말입니까?
Jeongmalimnikka?
A very formal and polite way to ask 'Is it really?' or 'Is that true?' suitable for highly respectful or official situations.
Casual (반말)
정말? / 진짜?
Jeongmal? / Jinjja?
'정말?' is casual, while '진짜?' is even more common and very casual, often used among close friends.
More Example Sentences
Expressing surprise and happiness at good news.
저 다음 달에 결혼해요! —정말요? 축하해요!
I'm getting married next month! —Really? Congratulations!
Expressing surprise and admiration.
이거 제가 다 만들었어요. —정말요? 대단하다!
I made all of this myself. —Really? That's amazing!
Reacting to new information.
오늘 저녁에 비 온대요. —정말요? 우산 가져가야겠네.
They say it's going to rain tonight. —Really? I guess I should take an umbrella.
Cultural Context
정말요? (or its more casual '진짜요?') is an extremely common interjection in Korean conversations. It serves as an active listening cue, showing the speaker is engaged, surprised, or curious. Koreans often use these phrases multiple times in a conversation to show they are following along and interested, making it a staple in K-dramas for reacting to plot twists or surprising revelations.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 정말요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
정말요? 몰랐어요.
Really? I didn't know.
정말요? 믿을 수 없어요.
Really? I can't believe it.
정말요? 어디서 들었어요?
Really? Where did you hear that?
Related Expressions
진짜요?
Jinjjayo?
Really? (more casual, very common)
그래요?
Geuraeyo?
Is that so? (general expression of mild surprise or confirmation)
와!
Wa!
Wow! (exclamation of surprise or admiration)
세상에!
Sesange!
Oh my goodness! (stronger expression of surprise or shock)
More Greetings Words
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