Really is a modal particle with several meanings and use cases. Linguists classify it as modal particles, because, despite the fact that, like any other service part of speech, it does not carry an independent semantic load, its use is able to introduce a certain emotional connotation into the sentence and change its general mood.
The origin of the word "really"
From the point of view of etymology, the particle “really” is a fusion of the phrase “whether” or “not already”. In Old Russian and Church Slavonic languages ​​it was used to express surprise, doubt, distrust, to give the said interrogative intonation.
It will not be erroneous to say that this meaning has been preserved beyond the word “really” in modern Russian, but at the same time it has somewhat expanded and become more complicated. There are several basic possibilities for using this particle, some of which seem to be completely unrelated to the etymology of the word. Which, however, is quite a natural phenomenon for a constantly changing and evolving language.
“Really” in expressing distrust in matters
Asking a question with the use of the particle “really,” the speaker or writer gives the spoken phrase a hint of mistrust, doubt. As, for example, in the following sentence:
"Is there really no other way to stop environmental pollution than to close large industrial enterprises and leave thousands of people without work?"
The author of this statement doubts that the closure of enterprises is the only way to solve the problem. He believes that there is another, alternative solution.
Here are a few more examples of this use of the particle "really":
| Example | Explanation |
| Doesn’t she want to see me? | The speaker believes that "she" really wants to see him. |
| Is it really possible? | The author of the statement expresses surprise and doubt. |
| Is there really not enough money for me to pay for this toy? | The author was sure that he had enough money for the toy. |
Usually, when asking a question with a “really” particle, the speaker counts on an answer that will prove to him that his doubts are unfounded, or, on the contrary, that they are not at all groundless. One way or another, he asks for evidence.
"Really" in answer to the question: expression of irony
This variant of using the particle “really” is a case somewhat deviating from the usual meaning dictated by the etymology of the word. In the statements “really” also expresses doubt, but not sincere, but ironic, mocking, as if the speaker was absolutely sure that his interlocutor was mistaken, and without a twinge of conscience made fun of this.
“You won’t be able to win back your money and poker hours if you continue to be so obviously nervous and jump in the chair as soon as you come across good cards.”
- Oh really!
In this example, the speaker is absolutely certain that his poker tactics are impeccable, and his statement, “Really!” it sounds ironic, as if making fun of everything that has been said before. Here is another example of the use of a particle "really" in this sense:
- If you would listen to me, now your affairs would go much better!
- Oh really?
In this example, the irony is even deeper, turning into sarcasm, the author of the statement not only questions the content of the previous remark, but also expresses his dismissive attitude to the opinion of the interlocutor.
"Really" in the answer to the question: expression of consent
This option of using the particle “really” is a relic of the past, a kind of colloquial expression that can now be found only in the works of Russian literature. An example of its use may look as follows:
- Will you help me?
- Really!
In this meaning "Really!" can be replaced with “Of course!”, “Without fail!”, “Of course!”, “Of course!” without loss or distortion of meaning. Any of these synonyms will sound more natural and better correspond to the norms of the modern Russian language.
Really in the literature: internal monologues
The authors often resorted to and resorted to using the particles "really" when describing the internal harmonious monologues and fragmentary reflections of the characters, thus demonstrating their doubts and experiences. Several vivid examples of the use of this particle can be found in Fedor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, for example, in Crime and Punishment:
“Well, is it really starting, is this really the execution? There, there it is! ”
Another example of the use of the described modal particle can be found in Osip Mandelstam:
"I wandered around in the toy more often
And he opened the azure grotto ...
Am i really real
And will death really come? "
"Why is the soul so melodious."
Both examples demonstrate that the modal particle in fiction is designed to strengthen and emphasize the doubts of the protagonist, his emotional experiences.
To summarize
There are three different meanings of the word "really."
- In matters - to express doubt, mistrust, when the speaker or writer needs proof of what they are trying to convince him of.
- In answering questions - to give the whole utterance along with doubt and mistrust a touch of irony, ridicule, sarcasm.
- Also in answers to questions - to express consent.
The latter option is considered obsolete and does not occur in modern Russian.
The “really” particle is a tool of writers and poets that helps in describing the characters' internal monologues. Numerous examples of its use can be found in the works of Russian classics.