Signification
Asking if someone is being serious.
Contexte culturel
In Jakarta, 'Sungguh?' is often replaced by 'Beneran?' or 'Serius?'. Using 'Sungguh?' might make you sound like you're from a formal TV drama (Sinetron). Javanese speakers might use 'Tenane?' (the Javanese equivalent) but will use 'Sungguh?' when speaking Indonesian to remain polite and neutral. Indonesians love using 'reaksi' (reactions). On TikTok or Instagram, 'Sungguh?' is often used in captions to highlight a shocking fact. When bargaining at a traditional market (Pasar), saying 'Sungguh?' after a high price is a tactical move to show the seller their price is unreasonable.
The Head Tilt
When saying 'Sungguh?', tilt your head slightly to the side to look more genuinely surprised and engaged.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'Sungguh?' to every single sentence, you might sound like you aren't actually listening or are being sarcastic.
Signification
Asking if someone is being serious.
The Head Tilt
When saying 'Sungguh?', tilt your head slightly to the side to look more genuinely surprised and engaged.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'Sungguh?' to every single sentence, you might sound like you aren't actually listening or are being sarcastic.
Combine with 'Wah'
Say 'Wah, sungguh?' to sound like a natural speaker. 'Wah' is the universal Indonesian exclamation of wonder.
Intonation is Key
A falling intonation makes it a statement ('Truly.'), while a rising intonation makes it the question ('Really?').
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate reaction.
A: 'Aku baru saja melihat hantu!' B: '_______?'
When someone sees a ghost, you express surprise or disbelief with 'Sungguh?'.
Which sentence uses 'sungguh' as an intensifier correctly?
Choose the correct sentence:
'Sungguh' can be used before an adjective to mean 'truly'.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Santi: 'Besok kita tidak ada ujian.' Riko: '_______? Aku sudah belajar semalaman!'
Riko is surprised because he already studied, so 'Sungguh?' is the natural reaction.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You hear that your favorite band is coming to your city.
This is exciting news that requires a reaction of surprise.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Sungguh vs. Sangat
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA: 'Aku baru saja melihat hantu!' B: '_______?'
When someone sees a ghost, you express surprise or disbelief with 'Sungguh?'.
Choose the correct sentence:
'Sungguh' can be used before an adjective to mean 'truly'.
Santi: 'Besok kita tidak ada ujian.' Riko: '_______? Aku sudah belajar semalaman!'
Riko is surprised because he already studied, so 'Sungguh?' is the natural reaction.
Situation: You hear that your favorite band is coming to your city.
This is exciting news that requires a reaction of surprise.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. It's safe for almost any situation, though 'Beneran?' is more common among close friends.
Yes, but it's more poetic. 'Sungguh indah' means 'Truly beautiful'. For daily use, 'Sangat' is more common.
'Benar' means 'correct/right'. 'Sungguh' means 'true/genuine'. You use 'Benar' for facts and 'Sungguh' for sincerity.
You can say 'Iya, beneran!' (Yes, really!) or 'Sumpah!' (I swear!).
Yes, but Malaysians might use 'Betulkah?' or 'Yakah?' more frequently in casual conversation.
Usually, we just say 'Sungguh?'. 'Sungguh-sungguh' is used as an adverb meaning 'earnestly'.
Not at all! It shows you are interested in the conversation.
The most common slang is 'Beneran?' or 'Serius?'.
No, it is a secular word, though it is often used in religious contexts to describe 'sincere' faith.
In a casual email, yes. In a formal business letter, it's better to use 'Apakah informasi ini benar?'.
Expressions liées
Beneran?
synonymReally? (Informal)
Masa?
similarReally? (Skeptical)
Serius?
similarSerious?
Betul?
similarCorrect?
Apa iya?
similarIs that so?
Nyata
builds onReal/Evident
