Translation guide
The English word "indeed" is used to emphasize, confirm, or add strength to a statement. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on the function: emphasizing a fact, agreeing strongly, or introducing surprising information.
To stress that something is true, often in formal or written contexts.
Adverb meaning 'certainly' or 'surely'. Used to acknowledge a fact, often before adding a contrasting point.
確かに、それは問題です。
Indeed, that is a problem.
He is indeed capable, but he lacks experience.
Adverb meaning 'truly' or 'indeed'. Often used to express admiration or surprise, more emphatic than 確かに.
実に美しい景色だ。
It is indeed a beautiful view.
Interjection meaning 'I see' or 'indeed'. Used when you realize something is true, not for general emphasis.
Only used when you have just understood something; not a general translation of 'indeed'.
なるほど、そういうことだったのか。
Indeed, so that's how it was.
To express strong agreement with what someone said, similar to 'yes, indeed'.
Polite phrase meaning 'That's exactly right' or 'Indeed'. Common in formal and casual settings.
A: 彼は信頼できる人ですね。B: その通りです。
A: He is a trustworthy person, isn't he? B: Indeed he is.
Adverb meaning 'completely' or 'indeed'. Used to express strong agreement, often with a nuance of exasperation or emphasis.
まったくその通りだ。
Indeed, that's exactly right.
Adverb meaning 'indeed' or 'truly'. Often used in formal or literary contexts to affirm something typical or expected.
To add a point that strengthens or contrasts, similar to 'in fact' or 'indeed'.
Conjunction meaning 'on the contrary' or 'indeed'. Used to introduce a stronger or more surprising fact.
彼は怒っていなかった。それどころか、喜んでいた。
He wasn't angry. Indeed, he was delighted.
Adverb meaning 'rather' or 'indeed'. Used to correct or emphasize a point.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'indeed'. Translating it directly as 確かに or 実に in every case can sound unnatural. Choose based on the function: emphasis, agreement, or addition.
確かに is used to acknowledge a fact, often before a contrast. 実に is more emphatic and often expresses admiration or surprise. 確かに is more common in everyday speech.
確かに便利だが、高い。
It is indeed convenient, but expensive.
実に素晴らしい発明だ。
It is indeed a wonderful invention.
いかにも彼らしい発言だ。
That's indeed typical of him.
それは欠点ではない。むしろ長所だ。
That's not a flaw. Indeed, it's a strength.