本当に (ほんとうに, hontouni) Japanese meaning: really | KotomoraUsage patterns
本当に〈形容詞〉really/truly + adjective, for emphasis
This cake is really delicious.
本当にありがとうthank you so much / truly grateful
Thank you so much for helping me.
本当に〈事〉なのis it really true that ...? (seeking confirmation)
Expressions
本当にまあhow admirably; how wonderfully; how skillfully
N2
本当に is a plain intensifier meaning 'really', while 果たして in questions adds a rhetorical, wondering nuance rather than simple emphasis.
本当に is the modern word for 'truly, really', matching the truth-emphasizing sense of いと in classical prose.
本当に expresses subjective conviction ('really, truly'), whereas 現に objectively points to a real, verifiable fact.
本当に is a plain, general word for 'really/truly', whereas いかにも adds a stronger sense of matching one's expectations or image exactly.
本当に is a general-purpose intensifier meaning 'really' or 'truly', whereas 心から specifically points to genuine heartfelt emotion.
In its affirmative use まさか can mean 'truly, unexpectedly', overlapping with 本当に, though 本当に lacks the surprise nuance.
