Translation guide
The English adverb 'truly' is used to emphasize sincerity, truth, or degree. In Japanese, it is expressed through various adverbs and phrases depending on the nuance: genuine feeling, factual truth, or intensification. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to convey 'truly' in Japanese.
Expressing genuine emotion or heartfelt sincerity, often in personal statements.
The most common and versatile way to say 'truly' or 'really' with sincerity. Used in both casual and formal contexts.
Literally 'from the heart', emphasizing deep sincerity. Often used in expressions of gratitude or apology.
心から感謝しています。
I am truly grateful from the bottom of my heart.
A formal, often written expression meaning 'truly' or 'sincerely'. Common in business letters, speeches, and formal apologies.
誠に申し訳ございません。
I am truly sorry.
Asserting that something is factually true or accurate, often to correct a misconception.
Used to reveal a truth or fact, similar to 'actually' or 'the truth is'. Often begins a sentence.
実は、彼はもう帰国しました。
Truly, he has already returned to his country.
Similar to 実は, but often implies a contrast with appearances or assumptions. 'The truth is...'
本当は行きたくなかった。
Truly, I didn't want to go.
Means 'actually' or 'in reality', emphasizing factual occurrence. Used to confirm something really happened.
Intensifying an adjective or verb to mean 'very' or 'extremely', often with a sense of genuineness.
Also used as an intensifier meaning 'truly' or 'really'. Works with adjectives and verbs.
本当に美しい景色だ。
It's a truly beautiful view.
A somewhat formal or literary intensifier meaning 'truly' or 'indeed'. Often used in written language or speeches.
Means 'completely' or 'truly', often used for emphasis in both positive and negative contexts. Can sound strong.
Used to agree strongly or confirm that something is undoubtedly the case.
Means 'certainly' or 'indeed'. Used to acknowledge a point or confirm truth.
確かにその通りです。
That is truly so.
Expresses understanding or agreement, like 'I see' or 'indeed'. Not a direct translation of 'truly' but conveys acknowledgment of truth.
なるほど、それは本当ですね。
Indeed, that is truly the case.
本当に is the most versatile, used for sincerity and intensification. 実は introduces a hidden truth or fact, often at the beginning of a sentence. 実際に emphasizes that something actually happened or is real, based on experience or evidence.
本当に疲れた。
I'm truly tired.
実は、昨日彼に会った。
Actually, I met him yesterday.
実際にやってみたら簡単だった。
When I actually tried it, it was easy.
While 誠に (makoto ni) is a direct translation, it sounds very formal and stiff in everyday conversation. Stick to 本当に or 実は for natural speech.
実際にそれを見たんです。
I truly saw it.
A truly wonderful achievement.
I truly agree.