真 (zhēn)

真 is an intensifying adverb meaning "really" or "truly." It expresses genuine emotion or strong emphasis, and also serves as an adjective meaning "real" or "true."

Meanings

[adverb] Really; truly; genuinely (intensifier before adjectives or verbs).
[adjective] Real; authentic; true.

Example Sentences

这个菜真好吃！ Zhège cài zhēn hǎo chī! This dish is really delicious!

你真漂亮。 Nǐ zhēn piàoliang. You are truly beautiful.

这是真的吗？ Zhè shì zhēn de ma? Is this real?

他真的不知道。 Tā zhēn de bù zhīdào. He really does not know.

Usage Notes

真 as an intensifying adverb is placed directly before the adjective or verb it modifies, similar to 很 (very) and 非常 (extremely). It is stronger and more emotional than 很 and adds a sense of sincerity or surprise. The phrase 真的 (zhēn de) on its own means "really" and is often used for confirmation or emphasis mid-sentence.

Collocations or Common Phrases

Phrase	Meaning
真好	really good
真的吗	really? is that so?
真漂亮	truly beautiful
说真的	to be honest; speaking truthfully
真正	genuine; truly (more formal)

Memory Hook

真 contains the character 直 (straight) at its core — a straight-talking person tells you what is truly real.