Korean expression
정말
Said by Jimin (BTS)
What does 정말 mean?
정말 means "Really? Is that true?" in Korean.
How it works here
정말 is followed by the old-fashioned polite question ending ‘-이오?’.
When it's used
Used to ask again in surprise after hearing something unexpected.
The line
정말이오?
Really?
A surprised question checking whether unexpected information is true.
Scene from “Run BTS! 2023 Special Episode - Next Top Genius Part 2” · Channel: BANGTANTV Watch on YouTube
More examples
내일 회의가 취소되었소? 정말이오?
The meeting was canceled tomorrow? Really?
그 소식이 사실이라고? 정말?
That news is true? Really?
Quick check
What does this mean here?
정말
정말이오?
Really?
- An expression used to ask again in surprise about what someone said
- An expression used to protest angrily about what someone said
- An expression used to pretend not to hear what someone said on purpose
- An expression used to tease someone lightly by saying something back
Show the answer
An expression used to ask again in surprise about what someone said
It is a relatively formal or old-fashioned-sounding way to ask “Really?” compared with 진짜? (really?).
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