How to say "Is it true?" in Japanese…ほんとうですか?(Hontou Desuka)

Pronunciation

ほんとうですか?(Hontou Desuka)

[audio: https://japanese999.com/J999%20Audio/Hontou/hontoudesuka.mp3]

Audio Notes

Meaning

Is it true?
Really?

Depending on the pronunciation, it can be used to express surprise or questioning with a hint of doubt.

 

え?ほんとうですか? (E? Hontou Desuka)…Surprise

[audio:https://japanese999.com/J999%20Audio/Hontou/surprise%20hontoudesuka.mp3] You can use this one when someone tells you he/she saw Brad Pitt on the street. 

え-?ほんとうですか?(E-? Hontou Desuka)…Questioning with a hint of doubt

[audio:https://japanese999.com/J999%20Audio/Hontou/questioning%20hontoudesuka.mp3] You can also use this one when someone tells you he/she saw Brad Pitt on the street…if you doubt it.

 

Additional Pronunciation

それは、ほんとうだろうな? (Soreha Hountou Darouna)
[audio:https://japanese999.com/J999%20Audio/Hontou/confirm%20hontoudarouna.mp3]
Use this one to confirm what you just heard.
In English it will sound like this “You are sure it is true”.
It is strong so use it with care.

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