"Really" is a modal particle with multiple meanings and uses. Linguists refer it to the category of modal particles, because, despite the fact that, like any other auxiliary part of speech, it does not carry an independent semantic load, its use can bring a certain emotional coloring to the sentence and change its general mood.
Origin of the word "really"
From the point of view of etymology, the particle "really" is a fusion of the phrase "already" or "not already". In Old Russian and Church Slavonic, it was used to express surprise, doubt, distrust, to give what was said an interrogative intonation.
It will not be wrong to say that this meaning is preserved behind the word "really" in modern Russian, but at the same time it has somewhat expanded and become more complicated. There are several main 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 foran ever-changing and evolving language.
"Really" when expressing no confidence in questions
When asking a question using the particle "really", the speaker or writer gives the said phrase a shade of distrust, doubt. Like in the following sentence:
"Is there really no other way to stop pollution than to shut down large industrial plants and put thousands of people out of work?"
The author of this comment doubts that closing businesses is the only way to solve the problem. He believes there is another, alternative solution.
Here are some more examples of this use of the "really" particle:
| Example | Explanation |
| Does she not want to see me? | The speaker believes that "she" actually wants to see him. |
| Is it possible? | The author of the statement expresses surprise and doubt. |
| Don't I have enough money to pay for this toy? | The author was sure that he had enough money for a toy. |
Usually, when asking a question with the particle "really", the speaker expects an answer that will prove to him that his doubts are unfounded, or, on the contrary, that they are not at all groundless. Anyway, he asks for proof.
"Really" in response to the question: expression of irony
This variant of using the particle "really" is a case that deviates somewhat from the usual meaning dictated by the etymology of the word. In 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 it.
- You won't be able to win back your money and hours of poker if you keep getting so obviously nervous and jumping in your chair as soon as you get good cards.
- Really!
In this example, the speaker is absolutely sure that his poker tactics are flawless, and his statement "Really!" sounds ironic, as if ridiculing everything that has been said before. Here is another example of using the particle "really" in this meaning:
- If you had listened to me, things would be much better for you now!
- 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 towards the interlocutor's opinion.
"Really" in response to the question: expression of consent
This use of the particle "really" is a relic of the past, a kind of colloquial expression that can now only be found in works of Russian literature. Exampleits usage might look like this:
- Will you help me?
- Really!
In this meaning "Really!" can be replaced with "Of course!", "Definitely!", "Of course!", "Of course!" without loss or distortion of meaning. Any of these synonyms will sound more natural and better fit the norms of the modern Russian language.
"Really" in Literature: Inner Monologues
The authors often resorted and still resort to the use of the particle "really" when describing the internal harmonious monologues and fragmentary reflections of the characters, thus demonstrating their doubts and experiences. Several striking examples of the use of this particle can be found in Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, for example, in "Crime and Punishment":
“What, is it really beginning, is it really the execution is coming? Get out, get out, that's right!"
Another example of the use of the described modal particle can be found in Osip Mandelstam:
I wandered in the toy thicket
And opened the azure grotto…
Am I real
And will death really come?"
"Why is the soul so melodious".
Both examples demonstrate that the modal particle in fiction is designed to reinforce and emphasize the doubts of the protagonist, his emotional experiences.
Summarize
There are three different meanings for the word "really".
- In questions - to express doubt,distrust, when the speaker or writer needs proof of what they are trying to convince.
- In answering questions - to give the whole statement, along with doubt and distrust, a shade of irony, ridicule, sarcasm.
- Also in response to questions - to express consent.
The last option is considered obsolete and is not found in modern Russian.
The particle "really" is a tool of writers and poets that helps in describing the internal monologues of characters. Numerous examples of its use can be found in the works of Russian classics.
