真 (zhēn)

Used as an adverb before adjectives or verbs to intensify meaning, equivalent to "really" or "truly." Also used as an adjective meaning genuine or real. A very common intensifier in spoken Chinese.

Meanings

[adv] Really, truly (intensifier before adjectives and verbs).
[adj] Real, genuine, authentic.

Example Sentences

这个苹果真甜！ Zhège píngguǒ zhēn tián! This apple is really sweet!

他说的是真的吗？ Tā shuō de shì zhēn de ma? Is what he said true?

你真厉害！ Nǐ zhēn lìhai! You are really impressive!

这是真的皮包，不是假的。 Zhè shì zhēn de pí bāo, bú shì jiǎ de. This is a genuine leather bag, not a fake.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
真的	really, truly; real, genuine
真好	really good
真的吗？	Really? Is that true?
真正	genuinely, truly (more formal)
真可惜	what a real pity

Memory Hook

真 has 目 (eye) at the bottom: your eye sees what is 真 — what is real and true, not an illusion.