정말요?
Introduction:
"정말요?" (jeong-mal-yo) translates to "Really?" in English. It’s a polite way to express surprise, disbelief, or seek confirmation about something you've just heard. "정말" means "really" or "truly," and when followed by the polite ending "요," it becomes an inquisitive or confirming question.
Whether you’re reacting to surprising news or clarifying information, "정말요?" is a versatile phrase that will help you show genuine curiosity or astonishment in Korean conversations.
More expressions (in Korean) with English translation:
- 진짜요? (jin-jja-yo?) - Really? (informal but still polite)
- 정말입니까? (jeong-mal-im-ni-kka?) - Is that really true? (formal)
- 정말이에요? (jeong-mal-i-e-yo?) - Is it true?
- 그게 사실이에요? (geu-ge sa-sil-i-e-yo?) - Is that a fact?
- 진심이에요? (jin-sim-i-e-yo?) - Are you serious?
- 거짓말 아니죠? (geo-jit-mal an-i-jyo?) - You’re not lying, right?
- 믿을 수 없어요! (mit-eul su eobs-eo-yo!) - I can’t believe it!
- 설마요! (seol-ma-yo!) - No way! (expressing disbelief)
Using "정말요?" is a simple but powerful way to convey surprise or seek confirmation in a conversation. It’s polite enough to be used in various contexts and will help you engage more actively with speakers in Korean.