Definition
真 (zhēn) is the basic everyday word for 'really, truly' (adverb) and 'real, true' (adjective). 确实 (quèshí, HSK4) also means 'really' but stresses certainty and is slightly more formal; 真正 (zhēnzhèng, HSK4) as an adjective means 'genuine, authentic' and is often stronger than 真 alone. 真实 (zhēnshí, HSK5) is used for objective truth or reality.
reallytrulyrealtruegenuine
Easily confused
- 填tiánlook-aliketo fill (a hole, container, etc.)
- 针zhēnsound-alikeneedle (sewing, pin)
- 镇zhènlook-alike(noun) small town
- 阵zhènsound-alikeclassifier for short bursts or spells of wind, rain, pain, applause, etc.
- 震zhènsound-aliketo shake, to vibrate, to jolt
- 枕zhěnsound-aliketo rest one's head on
Examples
- 真！Zhè zhēn dà!This is really big!
- 真。Wǒ zhēn xǐhuan nǐ.I really like you.
- ？Zhè shì zhēn de ma?Is this real?
Grammar
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