💬 Phrases A1 ✓ Native Reviewed

정말요?

jeongmallyo

Really? / Seriously?

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What it means

정말 means "really" or "truly" (from 정 = true + 말 = words). 정말요? with rising intonation = "Really?!" — expressing surprise or disbelief. One of the most natural Korean exclamations.

Nuance & when to use

정말 ≈ 진짜 (both mean "really"). 정말 sounds slightly more formal/literary. 진짜 is more casual and emphatic. In K-dramas: 정말이에요? (Are you serious?) shows shock. 정말 좋아요 = I really like it (emphasis).

⚠ Common mistake

Don't add -요 to 정말 when using it as an adverb: 정말 좋아요 (✓) NOT 정말요 좋아요 (✗). 정말요? is only used as the question "Really?"

Example sentences

정말요? 믿기지 않아요! Jeongmallyo? Mitgiji anayo! Really?! I can't believe it!
정말 고마워요. Jeongmal gomawoyo. I'm really grateful.
그거 정말이에요? Geugeo jeongmalieyo? Is that really true?

See also

진짜요? 설마요? 어떻게요?
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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More A1 lessons

내일 봐요 naeil bwayo See you tomorrow 오빠 oppa Older brother (used by females); also affectionate 화이팅 hwaiting Fighting! (cheer of encouragement)
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FAQ

When is this used?

정말 ≈ 진짜 (both mean "really"). 정말 sounds slightly more formal/literary. 진짜 is more casual and emphatic. In K-dramas: 정말이에요? (Are you serious?) shows shock. 정말 좋아요 = I really like it (emphasis).

What's a common mistake?

Don't add -요 to 정말 when using it as an adverb: 정말 좋아요 (✓) NOT 정말요 좋아요 (✗). 정말요? is only used as the question "Really?"

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