Word
really
Phoneticsre·al·ly
US/ˈɹiɫi/
UK/ɹˈiəli/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01very
A1 · Beginner
adv. you use this to make an adjective or another adverb stronger.
adv. an intensifier used to increase the degree of an adjective or adverb.
日本語:本当に※
“I am really tired after working in the garden all afternoon.”
“The results of the preliminary study were really encouraging, suggesting that the new treatment might be more effective than previously thought.”
Pitfall
The movie was real good.
The movie was really good.
In formal writing, use the adverb 'really' to modify an adjective, not the adjective 'real'.
02actually or in fact
A2 · Elementary
adv. used to say that something is true or real, especially when people might doubt it.
adv. used to emphasize the truth or reality of a statement, often in contrast to what is expected.
日本語:本当に※
Español:realmente
“Do you really think we can finish the project by tomorrow?”
“While the plan sounds good on paper, we need to consider whether it is really feasible given our current budget constraints.”
Antonyms
03showing annoyance
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
interj. used to show that you are annoyed or think someone is being silly.
interj. used as an expression of mild displeasure, impatience, or disbelief at another person's behavior.
日本語:全く※
“Really, Tom? You are going to wear that old shirt to the wedding?”
“Really, if they expect us to work through the weekend without extra pay, they are going to face a lot of complaints from the staff.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “really” in context.
Etymology
From Middle English really, realy, rialliche, equivalent to real + -ly.
From re- + ally.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/really
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0