Everyday Slang Stage 1 · Recognition
진짜
jinjja
Really / Seriously / For real
🗣️ How to say it
jin-jja — the 짜 is a tense "jja," sharper than English "ja."
📊 Meaning spectrum
really →seriously? →for real?!
💬 When to use it
Both a question ("진짜?" = really?) and emphasis ("진짜 좋아" = I really like it). One of the most-heard words in any K-drama.
진짜? 말도 안 돼! 🔊
Really? No way!
🧠 Culture note
Said with rising tone it's disbelief; flat tone it's emphasis. Gen Z also shortens it to '찐' (jjin) for 'genuine/the real deal.'
✅ Use it / ❌ Don't
✅ Reacting with surprise to news
✅ Emphasizing how much you mean something
🎬 Where you've heard it
🎯 Quick quiz
What does 진짜 mean?