Translation guide
How to express surprise, disbelief, or seek confirmation in Japanese, depending on formality and context.
Really? (casual)
Really? (polite)
Seriously? (slang)
Very casual, use with close friends only.
React to surprising or unexpected information in casual conversation.
The most common casual way to say 'really?'. Used with friends and family.
A: I'm moving tomorrow. B: Really?
Very casual, slangy 'really?'. Common among young people. Can sound rough.
A: I won the lottery! B: Really?
Literally 'lie!', used like 'no way!' or 'you're kidding!'. Expresses strong surprise.
A: I broke up with my girlfriend. B: No way!
React to surprising information in polite or formal situations.
Ask someone to confirm if what they said is true or correct.
Adds emphasis, like 'really truly?'. Can be casual or polite depending on intonation and context.
Show that you find something hard to believe, often with a nuance of doubt.
Casual, expresses doubt like 'I wonder if that's true'. Often used when you're skeptical.
In English, 'really?' can be used as a filler or to show interest without actual surprise. In Japanese, using 本当？ too often can sound like you doubt the speaker. Use そうなんですか or へえ to show interest without skepticism.
A: I'm being transferred to the Tokyo branch next month. B: Really?
Polite expression meaning 'Is that so?'. Shows interest and mild surprise.
A: Actually, I've decided to quit the company. B: Really? / Is that so?
A: I ate it all. B: Really? (Are you sure?)
Casual, emphatic 'seriously?'. Used among close friends.
A: I got a perfect score on the test. B: Seriously?
Polite confirmation. Can be used in formal settings.
A: This document is needed by tomorrow. B: Really? (Is that true?)
A: He said he did it himself. B: Really? (I wonder...)
Casual, 'you're kidding, right?'. Implies disbelief.
A: Apparently it's going to snow tomorrow. B: You're kidding, right?
A: I watched a movie on the weekend. B: Oh, really? (showing interest)
本当 is standard and can be used in most situations. マジ is slang and should be avoided in formal contexts or with people you don't know well. マジで is even more emphatic and casual.