진짜 vs 정말

Both 정말 and 진짜 mean “really” and are mostly interchangeable 🔄.

🎩 Formal vs. Casual

• 정말 → slightly more formal and serious.

  • 정말요? = “Really? I believe you, but I’m genuinely surprised.”

• 진짜 → more casual, sometimes with a hint of doubt.

  • 진짜요? = “Really? I’m not fully convinced.”

🤔 Quick Feel

• 진짜? → “Really? I’m not convinced.”

• 정말? → “Really? I can’t believe that happened!”

😡 When Annoyed

When expressing anger or disbelief, 진짜 sounds more natural:

• “진짜 그렇게 말했어??” → “Did they really say that???”

Because you’re speaking informally, 진짜 carries that raw, emotional punch.

🎭 Sarcasm Power

Since 정말 feels more formal, it can actually deliver heavier sarcasm when used in the right tone.

⚡️ Bottom line:

They usually mean the same thing, but…

• Use 정말 when you want to sound a bit more serious (or sarcastic).

• Use 진짜 when you want to sound casual, emotional, or skeptical.