Translation and Meaning of: 本当 - hontou
The word 「本当」 (hontou) is composed of two kanji: 「本」 and 「当」. The kanji 「本」 (hon) can mean "book," "origin," or "true." The kanji 「当」 (tou) means "to hit," "correct," or "appropriate." When combined, these kanji form the expression that is usually translated as "truth" or "reality." This combination of characters illustrates the idea of something that is genuinely appropriate or correct, forming the basis of truth.
In Japanese daily life, 「本当」 is a word used to affirm the truth of something or to express sincerity, and it can be used in various situations to confirm facts or show that something is real. It is common to hear the variation 「本当に」 (hontou ni), which functions as an adverb and further emphasizes the affirmation. For example, someone might use 「本当に」 to confirm that something really happened or to express surprise about the truth of a situation that initially seemed unbelievable.
In addition to its practical functions, the word 「本当」 also carries a significant cultural aspect. In Japanese culture, the quest for truth and simplicity is an important principle reflected in various traditions and customs. The word is, therefore, imbued with a deeper meaning that resonates with historical and philosophical cultural values. This cultural uniqueness can be explored by considering how the Japanese often value honesty and accuracy in everyday life and in their interpersonal interactions.
Vocabulary
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Synonyms and similar words
- 真実 (Shinjitsu) - Truth; the truth in itself.
- 真相 (Shinsou) - The true reason or origin of something; the hidden truth.
- 事実 (Jijitsu) - Fact; the reality of events.
- 実際 (Jissai) - Practically; in practice; what really happens.
- 真実性 (Shinjitsusei) - Veracity; the quality of being true.
- 真実味 (Shinjitsumi) - The quality of seeming true; authenticity.
- 本当に (Hontou ni) - In truth; really; in fact.
- 本当である (Hontou de aru) - To be true; to be real.
- 真の (Makoto no) - True; genuine; authentic.
- 真正 (Shinsei) - True; original; without forgeries.
- 真摯 (Shinshi) - Serious; honest; with sincerity.
- 真心 (Magokoro) - Genuine kindness; sincerity of heart.
- 真剣 (Shinken) - Seriously; with seriousness; committed.
- 真面目 (Majime) - Responsible; serious; studious.
- 真っ直ぐ (Massugu) - Directly; straight; in fact, without deviation.
- 真実を言う (Shinjitsu o iu) - Tell the truth; express reality.
- 真実を伝える (Shinjitsu o tsutaeru) - Convey the truth; communicate reality.
- 真実を追求する (Shinjitsu o tsuikyuu suru) - Seek the truth; investigate reality.
- 真実を求める (Shinjitsu o motomeru) - Seek the truth; desire to know reality.
- 真実を知る (Shinjitsu o shiru) - To know the truth; to know reality.
- 真実を見抜く (Shinjitsu o minuku) - Understand the truth; discern reality.
- 真実を突き止める (Shinjitsu o tsukitomeru) - Find the truth; discover reality.
- 真実を確かめる (Shinjitsu o tashikameru) - Confirm the truth; the reality.
- 真実を明らかにする (Shinjitsu o akiraka ni suru) - Clarify the truth; make reality evident.
Related words
Romaji: hontou
Kana: ほんとう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n5
Translation / Meaning: truth; reality
Meaning in English: truth;reality
Definition: facts and truth. Don't be fake or false.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (本当) hontou
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (本当) hontou:
Example Sentences - (本当) hontou
See below some example sentences:
Kono seikou na choukoku wa hontou ni utsukushii desu
This intricate carving is really beautiful.
This elaborate sculpture is really beautiful.
- この - indicates that the object is close to the speaker, it can be translated as "this".
- 精巧な - an adjective that means "precise" or "elaborate."
- 彫刻 - noun that means "sculpture" or "carving".
- は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, can be translated as "about" or "regarding".
- 本当に - Adverb meaning "really" or "truly".
- 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
- です - Verb "to be" in polite form.
Kono eiga wa hontō ni kessaku da
This film is truly a masterpiece.
- この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
- 映画 - noun that means "movie".
- は - Topic particle that indicates that what follows is the subject of the sentence.
- 本当に - adverb that means "really" or "truly".
- 傑作 - Noun meaning "masterpiece".
- だ - Verb that indicates the existence or identity of the subject of the sentence.
Kare wa hontō ni yatsu da
He really is a guy.
- 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
- は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
- 本当に - Japanese adverb that means "really" or "truly"
- 奴 - Japanese noun that can be used pejoratively to refer to a person, in this case "he"
- だ - Japanese verb that indicates the affirmative present form, in this case "is"
Hontou ni arigatou
Really thank you.
Thank you very much.
- 本当に - Adverb meaning "really" or "truly".
- ありがとう - expression of gratitude in Japanese, which means "thank you".
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
