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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "really" with adjective 真 (zhēn)

    HSK 2
    Degree & Intensity
    Emphasis

    Structure

    真 + Adjective/Noun

    Explanation

    真 (zhēn) as an adjective means "real" or "true" and can be used to emphasize the genuine nature of something. When modifying other words, it conveys a sense of "really" or "truly" to stress sincerity or authenticity. It is extremely common in everyday Chinese.

    Examples

    • 这幅画是真的，不是复制品。

      Zhè fú huà shì zhēn de, bú shì fùzhìpǐn.

      This painting is authentic, not a reproduction.

    • 他是我的真朋友，一直在我身边。

      Tā shì wǒ de zhēn péngyou, yìzhí zài wǒ shēnbiān.

      He is my true friend, always by my side.

    • 只有经历过困难，才能看清谁是真心对你好的人。

      Zhǐyǒu jīnglìguò kùnnan, cáinéng kànqīng shéi shì zhēnxīn duì nǐ hǎo de rén.

      Only after going through hardships can you see who truly cares about you.

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    Expressing "really" with adjective 真 (zhēn) | Chinese Grammar