Prefix used with direction words to mean 'exactly' or 'directly', e.g. 真上 (まうえ) 'directly above', 真東 (まひがし) 'due east'.
See also: 真上 (まうえ)
The sun is beating down from directly above.
Noun meaning 'truth' or 'reality', often used in set phrases like 真に受ける (まにうける) 'to take seriously' or 真に迫る (まにせまる) 'to be realistic'. Not commonly used as a standalone noun in modern Japanese.
See also: 真に受ける
If you go straight along this road, you'll come out at the station.
It's pitch dark outside and I can't see anything.
What he says is a complete lie.
I took his joke seriously and got angry.
The acting in this movie is very realistic.
真実 is a more formal, standalone noun for 'truth', whereas 真 is a bound, archaic-feeling noun used mostly in set phrases.
serious; earnest; sober; grave · honest; sincere
imitation; copying; mimicry · behavior; conduct; action
midsummer; height of summer; middle of summer
bright red; deep red; flushed · downright; complete; utter
straight; direct; upright · straightforward; honest; frank
Standard kanji spelling for the prefix and noun uses.
The prefix ま is native Japanese, likely related to the adjective 真 (まこと) 'truth' or the idea of 'true, real'. The exact derivation is uncertain.
pitch-dark; completely dark · very bleak; utterly hopeless
pitch black; completely black
serious look; straight face
right under; directly below
midwinter; dead of winter
right in the middle of; in the midst of; at the height of
right above; directly overhead
directly opposite; right in front
deep blue; bright blue · ghastly pale; white as a sheet
directly opposite; right in front · middle of the forehead · helmet front
sincerity; true heart; devotion
at full speed; headlong; impetuously
Japanese spindle tree
middle; center; heart
spread-out sail; full sail; downwind sailing
midday; broad daylight
kanji (as opposed to kana) · printed style of Chinese characters; square style; block style · real name
right beside; directly to the side
right behind; directly behind
mimic; imitate; copy
brand new; fresh; unused
Pacific cod