10 Ways to Say “Really?”
When someone tells you amazing news—like they got a new job, or they’re moving to a new city—how do you respond? If the only word you use is the simple, single-word question, “Really?” you might sound bored or unimpressed, even if you’re excited! Learning 10 Ways to Say “Really?” gives you the expressions you need to sound genuinely surprised, interested, or even skeptical, just like a native speaker. Let’s upgrade your reaction phrases and make your conversations much more natural.
12 Natural Ways to Express Surprise, Interest, and Doubt
We’ll break these expressions down into three groups to help you choose the right one for the right moment.
Group 1: Showing Strong Surprise or Amazement
These phrases are perfect for reacting to something shocking, unbelievable, or highly exciting.
- No way!
- Meaning and Use: This is a very common, casual, and energetic expression of total disbelief. It means you think something is too surprising to be true.
- Example: “I won the lottery this week!” “No way! You’re kidding me!”
- Are you serious?
- Meaning and Use: A direct question that shows you are truly shocked and need immediate confirmation. Use this for both great news and bad news.
- Example: “The meeting was canceled five minutes before it started.” “Are you serious? I rushed all the way here!”
- You’re kidding! (or You must be kidding!)
- Meaning and Use: An informal and friendly way to express high astonishment. It suggests the news is so incredible it sounds like a joke.
- Example: “I saw a snowstorm last summer.” “You’re kidding! Where did that happen?”
- Get out!
- Meaning and Use: A highly informal, enthusiastic way to say “Wow!” or “No way!” It is not a command for someone to leave; it just expresses extreme shock or excitement.
- Example: “My brother is going to perform with a famous rock band.” “Get out! That’s incredible!”
Group 2: Showing Calm Interest or Requesting More Information
Use these phrases when you want to acknowledge new information and encourage the speaker to continue, without showing extreme surprise.
- Seriously?
- Meaning and Use: This is a very common, versatile alternative to “Really?” It can show surprise, but it’s often used simply to keep the conversation going and ask for more details.
- Example: “I’m thinking about moving to Japan next year.” “Seriously? What city are you looking at?”
- Oh, is that so?
- Meaning and Use: A calm, neutral, and polite phrase that shows you heard the information and are interested. It’s great when you’re learning a new fact.
- Example: “The fastest way to the office is actually by taking the train.” “Oh, is that so? I always drive.”
- Tell me more.
- Meaning and Use: This is an active response that clearly signals your interest. You want the speaker to give you the full story or more details.
- Example: “My company is starting a new, unique project.” “Tell me more! It sounds very interesting.”
- Is that right?
- Meaning and Use: A polite, mild response to new information. It’s a good filler phrase to show you are listening carefully.
- Example: “We need to complete the form in blue ink only.” “Is that right? I only brought a black pen.”
Group 3: Showing Skepticism or Doubt
These phrases are used when you have reasons to question the truth or accuracy of what you’ve heard.
- Are you sure?
- Meaning and Use: This is the politest way to express doubt. You are questioning the accuracy of the information, not the person’s honesty.
- Example: “I think the restaurant is open until midnight.” “Are you sure? I heard they close at 10 p.m.”
- I find that hard to believe.
- Meaning and Use: A more formal and measured response when you have strong reasons to doubt a statement. Use this in a professional or serious setting.
- Example: “The salesperson claims this new phone battery lasts for two weeks.” “I find that hard to believe. That’s much longer than any other brand.”
- I doubt it.
- Meaning and Use: A concise way to say you don’t think something is true or will happen. It can sometimes sound a little direct, so use it carefully.
- Example: “He said he’d be here exactly on time.” “I doubt it. He’s always late.”
- You don’t say.
- Meaning and Use: This is often used sarcastically to mean, “That’s obvious,” or to express exaggerated, slight disbelief. Be careful with your tone, as it usually implies a lack of genuine surprise.
- Example: “It’s extremely hot outside today.” (While sweating) “You don’t say. (Sarcastic)”
Conversations in Context
See how these expressions for 10 Ways to Say “Really?” work in real life:
Scenario: Unexpected News
- Friend A: “Did you hear? They’re giving everyone in the company an extra day off next month.”
- Friend B: “No way! That’s amazing. Is that right?”
- Friend A: “Yes, I just read the email.”
Scenario: A Challenging Claim
- Colleague A: “If we work nonstop this weekend, we can finish the whole project by Monday.”
- Colleague B: “Hmm. I find that hard to believe. Are you sure we have enough people to do that much work?”
- Colleague A: “Well, maybe not, but we can try!”
Quick Tip: Use Your Voice!
For all these phrases—especially “No way!,” “Are you serious?,” and “Seriously?“—the tone of your voice is the most important part.
- To show excitement, use a high, rising pitch.
- To show doubt, your voice should sound hesitant, or the pitch should fall slightly at the end.
- To show calm interest, keep your pitch level and steady.
Practicing the tone will make sure your friends understand exactly how you feel!
Closing Note
You’ve learned far more than 10 Ways to Say “Really?” now! You have a whole toolkit of phrases to express everything from delight to doubt. The next time you’re having an English conversation and hear something surprising, challenge yourself to use one of these new phrases instead of just “Really?” You’ll sound more natural, more engaged, and much more confident. Keep practicing—you’re doing great!
