真的

It is incredibly flexible. You can place it before an adjective to add emphasis. Think of it like a volume knob for your feelings. For example, 真的很好 means 'really good.' You can also use it as a standalone question: 真的吗? (Really?). It's the perfect response when someone tells you they just won the lottery or finished their homework early.

Use it everywhere! It fits perfectly at a restaurant when the food is amazing. Use it when texting a friend to show you're listening. It works in the office when you're genuinely impressed by a presentation. It’s the Swiss Army knife of Chinese conversation. If you want to sound sincere, this is your best friend.

Don't overdo it in very formal legal documents. It’s a bit too conversational for a high-court deposition. Also, avoid using it if you're trying to be sarcastic unless your tone is very obvious. If you say it too many times in one sentence, you might sound like a surprised teenager. Keep it impactful by using it when you actually mean it.

Chinese culture values sincerity and 'face.' Using 真的 helps bridge the gap between polite small talk and genuine connection. It shows you are being 'zhencheng' (sincere). In a culture where people sometimes hide their true feelings to stay polite, this phrase signals that you are being honest. It’s a verbal handshake that says, 'I’m telling you the truth.'

If you want to sound more intense, try 真的假的? (Really or fake?). This is super common in Taiwan and among young people. It’s like saying 'No way!' or 'For real?'. For a more formal 'truly,' you might hear 确实 (quèshí). But for daily life, 真的 is the undisputed king of the hill.