How to say "Really?" in Korean

The natural way Koreans say "Really?" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.

When to use it

The reaction word you will hear more than any other. Learners who master just this one sound instantly more natural in conversation.

Polite form

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  진짜요?

  jinjjayo?

  Use this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.

Other ways to say it

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  정말?

  jeongmal?

  = Really? (softer)

  Slightly more proper. Same meaning.
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  헐

  heol

  = No way / whoa

  Pure shock. Very common among young people.
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  대박

  daebak

  = Awesome / unbelievable

  For good AND bad surprises. Literally jackpot.

In a sentence

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  진짜? 언제?

  jinjja? eonje?

  Really? When?
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  헐, 대박.

  heol, daebak.

  Whoa, no way.