We pic up and share some useful Japanese (Nihongo) phrases which you can use in your daily life in Japan.

Today’s expression is ‘マジで？（majide?）’

When you hear a big news or something makes you surprise, what do you say?

'Really?', 'Are you sure?', 'Are you kidding?' etc...

There are some phrases in English. Likewise, you can say this in Japanese.

‘マジで？（majide?）’

is simple and modern Japanese phrase for this kind of scenes. And this also really native way.

The word 'マジ (maji)' came from an adjective 'まじめな（majimena）' which means "serious". So when you say "マジで？（majide?）" it's just like saying or asking 'Are you serious?'. But 'マジで？（majide?）' can be used more casual. And when you are asked with this phrase, the you can answer 'マジで！（majide!）'.

Sample conversation

A: 今週末、アメリカに行くよ。（konshuumatsu, amerika ni ikuyo）

B: マジで？（majide?）

A: うん、マジで！（un, majide!）

English translation

A: I'll go to U.S. this weekend.

B: Are you sure?

A: Sure.

Please note that this phrase is really casual. Please do not use on formal scenes.

Use the Japanese phrase and enjoy your daily life in Japan.

See you soon.