本当
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Base na-adjective form. Can function as a noun meaning 'truth' or as an adjective meaning 'real' when followed by 『な』 (na) or 『に』 (ni).
Theme
Two friends, Ken and User, are chatting at a café after watching a mystery movie, discussing the plot twists and what they think is real.
本当
ほんとう
truth / reality
Core Language Building BlocksCore Adjectives
Memory Hook
Think of 'honest' truth—『本当』 (hontō, 'truth') sounds like 'hon-toe'—you stand on your 'honest toe' to tell the truth!
Cultural Note
『本当』 (hontō) is frequently used in daily conversation to confirm facts, e.g., 『本当ですか？』 (hontō desu ka?, 'Is that true?'). It reflects a cultural emphasis on sincerity and clarity.
Forms
Base: 本当Base na-adjective form. Can function as a noun meaning 'truth' or as an adjective meaning 'real' when followed by 『な』 (na) or 『に』 (ni).
Negative: 本当じゃないAdd 『じゃない』 (janai, 'is not') → 『本当じゃない』 (hontō janai). Used in casual speech.
Past: 本当だったAdd 『だった』 (datta, past copula) → 『本当だった』 (hontō datta).
Adverbial: 本当にAdd 『に』 (ni, adverbial) → 『本当に』 (hontō ni). Used to intensify statements, e.g., 『本当に美味しい』 (hontō ni oishii, 'really delicious').
Comparative: より本当Comparative formed with 『より』 (yori, 'more than') + base form. Less common; often replaced with phrases like 『もっと本当』 (motto hontō).
Superlative: 一番本当Superlative formed with 『一番』 (ichiban, 'most') + base form. Used in abstract contexts.