진짜
"Really," "truly," or "for real" — the most common emphasis word in everyday Korean conversation.
- Meaning: "Really," "truly," or "for real" — the most common emphasis word in everyday Korean conversation.
- Pronunciation: /tɕin.t͈ɕa/ (jinjja)
- Part of speech: adverb / adjective / interjection
- Formality: Neutral — works in most everyday settings.
- Literal: real / true / genuine
What does 진짜 mean?
진짜 (jinjja) is one of the first Korean words learners pick up because it is everywhere. As an adverb it intensifies adjectives ("진짜 맛있다" = "really delicious"). As a standalone interjection ("진짜?") it asks "really?" or "for real?" As a noun it means "the real thing" (opposed to 가짜, "fake"). Unlike 정말 (jeongmal), which is its slightly more polished synonym, 진짜 carries a casual, conversational warmth — Korean dramas, vlogs, and everyday speech lean on it constantly. Stretching the vowel ("진~짜") adds intensity or skepticism.
Examples in context
When to use 진짜
- Emphasizing adjectives or verbs in everyday speech
- Reacting to news with a one-word "really?"
- Distinguishing real from fake
- Texting and casual conversation
When NOT to use 진짜
- In very formal writing, prefer 정말 (jeongmal) or 실제로 (siljero)
- When you need precision — 진짜 is broad emphasis
Related terms
More in Reactions
Express surprise, hype, and disbelief — the most common K-drama exclamations.
A versatile expression meaning "awesome," "amazing," or "wow!" used to react to surprising or impressive things.
An interjection used to express shock, disbelief, or "no way" — similar to "OMG" or "what?!" in English.
Means "the best," "awesome," or "cool" — used as an exclamation, suffix, or noun to praise people, things, or ideas.
Literally "crazy" — used to mean "insane (in a good way)," "no way," or "are you serious?" depending on context.
Frequently asked questions
What does 진짜 mean in Korean?
진짜 (jinjja) means "really," "truly," or "for real." It can be an adverb (진짜 맛있다 = "really delicious"), an interjection asking "really?" (진짜?), or a noun meaning "the real thing" (vs 가짜, fake).
What is the difference between 진짜 and 정말?
They mean the same thing — "really." 진짜 (jinjja) is more casual and conversational, while 정말 (jeongmal) is slightly more polished and used more in writing or formal speech. In daily conversation, Koreans use 진짜 about 70% of the time.
Can I use 진짜 in formal Korean?
In casual-formal blends like a job interview, 진짜 is OK. For very formal speech (presentations, news, official writing), prefer 정말 (jeongmal) or 실제로 (siljero, "in fact").
How is 진짜 pronounced?
진짜 is pronounced [tɕin.t͈ɕa] — "jin-jja" with a tense doubled J in the second syllable. The first syllable has a regular J like in "jeans," and the second has a sharper, harder J.
More Korean slang?
Browse the full Korean Slang Dictionary or read the deep-dive: Korean Slang Ultimate Guide.