本当

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 本当 is read as ほんとう and means that something is true or real.
• Basic usage: It can serve as a predicate or modify a noun such as a reason.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Asking whether something is true
  • 本当: The speaker asks whether the story is true. Example: その話は本当ですか。
• Modifying a noun as real
  • 本当: It identifies the real reason told honestly to the family. Example: 本当の理由を家族に正直に話した。