真
shin, ma, makoto
Description
「真」は「本当のこと」や「うそではないこと」をあらわす漢字です。
"真" is a kanji that represents "the truth" or "something that is not a lie."
「真夏」や「真ん中」のように、ほかの言葉の前について「ちょうど」「まったく」という意味を強めることもあります。
Like in "真夏" (midsummer) or "真ん中" (center), "真" can be placed before other words to emphasize the meaning of "exactly" or "completely."
Meanings
真shin
truth; reality; what is genuine
それが事の真だ。
That's the truth of the matter.
真ma
just; exactly; completely (prefix)
車が道の真ん中に止まった。
The car stopped in the middle of the road.
真makoto
sincerity; genuineness (literary)
彼の真の心が伝わった。
His true feelings were conveyed.
Related words
Notes
- Etymology
as a prefix (ma-) it intensifies, meaning 'exactly/completely', as in 真っ赤 and 真夜中.
- Nuance
真 (shin) is formal/written; everyday speech prefers 本当 for 'true/real'.
Images