true
true — 動詞
1. to adjust something so that it is perfectly straight, level, or in the correct p
校正
將物體調整至正確位置或水平
to adjust something so that it is perfectly straight, level, or in the correct position — for example, making sure a bicycle wheel runs evenly or a piece of wood is exactly flat
Imani trued the bicycle wheel by tightening the spokes with a small wrench.
Imani 用一支小扳手鎖緊輪輻，把腳踏車輪子校正。
true + wheel (bicycle maintenance)
The carpenter trued the wooden shelf by sanding the edge until it was straight.
那名木匠打磨層板的邊緣，直到它變得平直，把木架調正。
Daichi trued the metal frame by tapping it gently with a rubber mallet.
Daichi 用橡膠槌輕輕敲打金屬框架，把它校正。
Maeve trued the blade of the hand plane before shaping the door panel.
Maeve 在修整門板之前，先把刨刀調直。
Before fitting the door, Niran trued the wooden frame with a spirit level.
在安裝門之前，Niran 用水平儀把木框校正。
- align
more common and general; 'true' implies precision adjustment to a standard
- straighten
simpler and more widely understood; less precise than 'true'
- square
specifically for making something at a right angle; 'true' covers any correct position
- misalign
to put into a wrong or crooked position
文法句型
true + object (wheel / frame / blade / edge)
用法筆記
Almost always used in technical or craft contexts such as woodworking, bicycle repair, and metalworking. The verb is regular (true → trued → truing). Do not confuse with the much more common adjective 'true' (factually correct).
常見錯誤
true — 名詞
1. the state of being positioned or arranged at the correct angle or along the corr
正位；準直
零件或結構處於正確位置的狀態
the state of being positioned or arranged at the correct angle or along the correct line — used especially to describe whether a wheel, a door frame, a machine part, or a building component is straight and properly aligned.
A bicycle wheel that is out of true wobbles when you ride.
單車的輪子如果偏離正位，騎起來就會搖晃。
out of true — not correctly aligned
Otis used a spirit level to check if the kitchen cabinets were in true.
Otis 用水平儀檢查廚房櫥櫃是否安裝在正位。
in true — correctly aligned
The garage door would not close properly because its track had gone out of true.
車庫門因為軌道偏移正位，無法順利關上。
A mechanic can usually bring a buckled wheel back to true by adjusting the spokes.
技師通常可以透過調整鋼絲，把變形的輪子重新校回正位。
Nikhil noticed that the window frame was out of true by almost two centimetres.
Nikhil 發現窗框歪了將近兩公分。
- alignment
more general term; 'true' specifically describes the correct state of that alignment
- squareness
focuses on right-angle accuracy; 'true' covers any correct line or angle
- plumb
only for vertical alignment; 'true' can apply to horizontal or vertical
文法句型
out of true (most common)
be true / come true (rare, technical)
用法筆記
Almost always used in fixed phrases — most commonly 'out of true' (not correctly aligned) and less often 'in true' (correctly aligned) or 'back to true' (restored to correct alignment). The full form 'bring/come/knock something out of true' is also frequent.
常見錯誤
true — 形容詞
1. saying or describing something that matches what actually happened or is the cas
真實；正確
與事實一致，不是虛假或錯誤的
saying or describing something that matches what actually happened or is the case — not a mistake or a lie
Everything Karim said about the accident turned out to be true.
Karim 對那場事故所說的每件事後來都被證實是真的。
Is it true that the library will close at six tonight?
圖書館今晚六點關門，這是真的嗎？
pattern: It is true that… — reporting factual claims
The story in the newspaper was not true, so the editor printed an apology.
報紙上那則報導不是真的，所以編輯刊登了一則道歉。
Karim and Amira have a love story that is hard to believe but completely true.
Karim 和 Amira 的愛情故事令人難以置信，但完全真實。
Rafael checked the sales figures twice to make sure they were true.
Rafael 把銷售數字檢查了兩次，以確保它們是正確的。
用法筆記
Often used with reporting verbs and that-clauses (e.g., 'It is true that…', 'I heard it is true that…'). Common in question form when checking facts.
常見錯誤
2. describes a statement that is correct in some ways but leaves out important deta
部分屬實的
有些正確，但未涵蓋全部事實
describes a statement that is correct in some ways but leaves out important details or gives an incomplete picture
True, we raised prices, but we also improved our ingredients.
確實，我們調漲了價格，但我們也改善了食材品質。
pattern: It is true (that)…, but… — acknowledging a point while adding a counterpoint
True, the team lost the game, but they played better than they had all season.
確實，球隊輸了比賽，但他們打出了整季最好的表現。
Haruto admitted his colleague's claim was true, though only part of the picture.
Haruto 承認同事的說法確實屬實，雖然只是部分情況。
The report is true as far as it goes, but omits key causes.
這份報告就其所涵蓋的範圍而言是正確的，但忽略了關鍵原因。
- accurate enough
informal phrase suggesting limited correctness
- correct in part
emphasises partial accuracy
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'but' to concede a point before introducing a counterargument. The expression 'true as far as it goes' is a fixed phrase that signals incomplete coverage.
常見錯誤
3. existing as a real thing or fact in the world, not just in someone's imagination
真正；實際
真實存在而非想像或表面假象的
existing as a real thing or fact in the world, not just in someone's imagination or as an appearance
The painting was not a copy but a true work by the Italian master Caravaggio.
那幅畫不是複製品，而是義大利大師 Caravaggio 的真跡。
In many fairy tales, the hero learns his true identity at the end.
在許多童話故事中，主角往往在結尾才知道自己真正的身分。
The documentary tries to show the true cost of fast fashion on the environment.
這部紀錄片試圖呈現快時尚對環境的真正代價。
Sven had never seen a true desert until he visited the Sahara last March.
Sven 去年三月去撒哈拉之前，從未見過真正的沙漠。
Brooke finally showed her true feelings when she started crying at the farewell party.
Brooke 在歡送會上哭出來時，終於流露了她的真實感受。
用法筆記
Often placed before nouns to emphasise that something is the most authentic or essential example of its kind. Cannot always substitute with 'real' in fixed expressions (e.g., 'true love' is more idiomatic than 'real love').
常見錯誤
4. happening or appearing in reality the way you had hoped, wished, or expected — u
成真；實現
夢想、願望成為現實
happening or appearing in reality the way you had hoped, wished, or expected — used only after the verb 'come' when describing dreams, wishes, or predictions
After years of saving, Amira's dream of owning a café finally came true.
存了好幾年錢之後，Amira 開咖啡館的夢想終於實現了。
pattern: [dream/wish] + come true
Tamas had always wanted to visit Japan, and his wish came true last spring.
Tamás 一直想去日本，他的願望在去年春天實現了。
For the village children, a new playground was a dream come true.
對村裡的孩子來說，一個新的遊樂場就是夢想成真。
Hari's prediction about the election results came true on the morning after the vote.
Hari 關於選舉結果的預測在投票後的早晨應驗了。
- be realised
more formal, often used for plans or goals
- be fulfilled
suggests that a hope or desire has been satisfied
- fail
when a hope or plan does not happen
- fall through
informal, for plans that do not work out
文法句型
come true
用法筆記
This sense is ALWAYS used with the verb 'come' (or in the fixed noun phrase 'a dream come true'). It does not appear in other syntactic positions — you cannot say 'a true dream' to mean a realised dream.
常見錯誤
5. showing steady support and commitment to a person, group, or cause through both
忠實；忠誠
無論順境逆境都堅定支持某人或某事
showing steady support and commitment to a person, group, or cause through both good and difficult times
Romi remained true to her friends even when they faced serious trouble at work.
Romi 即使在朋友們工作上遇到嚴重麻煩時，依然對他們忠心不二。
pattern: stay/remain + true to [someone]
The old dog had been a true companion to the family for over twelve years.
那隻老狗十二年多來一直是這家人忠實的夥伴。
A true friend does not disappear when things get hard.
真正的朋友不會在困難的時候消失。
The soldiers stayed true to their mission even after their leader was injured.
即使領袖受傷，那些士兵仍然忠於他們的任務。
- unfaithful
used in personal relationships
- disloyal
stronger; suggests betrayal of trust
文法句型
true to [someone/something]
用法筆記
Common in the construction 'true to [someone/something]' to express loyalty to a person, principle, or cause. 'True friend' and 'true companion' are fixed collocations that convey deep, tested loyalty.
常見錯誤
6. acting in an honest way that matches your real feelings, beliefs, or personal va
忠於己；真誠
言行一致，忠於自己的信念或本質
acting in an honest way that matches your real feelings, beliefs, or personal values rather than pretending or following others
Eitan decided to be true to himself and quit the job he hated.
Eitan 決定忠於自己，辭掉了他討厭的工作。
pattern: be true to [oneself] — acting according to one's values
Manuela always gave her true opinion, even when people disliked hearing it.
Manuela 總是說出自己真實的看法，即使別人不愛聽。
The painter stayed true to his vision and refused to change his work.
那位畫家堅持自己的理念，拒絕改變自己的作品。
Lakan felt the politician was not true to the values he once defended.
Lakan 覺得那位政治人物並沒有忠於他曾捍衛的價值觀。
Being true to your principles sometimes means making hard choices.
忠於自己的原則有時意味著要做出艱難的選擇。
- hypocritical
acting against one's stated beliefs
- insincere
not expressing true feelings
文法句型
true to [oneself/one's principles]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 5: sense 6 emphasises internal honesty and authenticity (being true to YOURSELF or your beliefs), while sense 5 emphasises external loyalty (being true to ANOTHER PERSON or cause). The preposition 'to' is essential — 'true [someone]' without 'to' does not convey this meaning.
常見錯誤
7. acting as others would normally expect based on past experience, especially when
一如往常
行為符合預期；跟平時一樣
acting as others would normally expect based on past experience, especially when this pattern of behaviour is predictable and a little annoying or amusing.
True to form, Bilal arrived late for the meeting and blamed the traffic.
一如往常，Bilal 開會又遲到了，還怪罪是因為交通太差。
phrase: true to form (predictable behaviour)
Sofie's cat, true to type, hid under the bed the moment the guests arrived.
Sofie 的貓一如往常，客人一到就躲到床底下。
phrase: true to type
True to form, the summer blockbuster was loud, fast, and not very deep.
一如往常，這部暑假強檔片吵鬧、節奏又快、內容又不深。
Eli's response was true to character: patient, thoughtful, and full of good advice.
Eli 的反應果然符合他的個性：有耐心、體貼，而且充滿好建議。
True to form, the restaurant served amazing food but forgot half our order.
一如往常，那家餐廳的餐點十分美味，卻漏掉了我們一半的訂單。
- typical
focuses on being a usual example rather than matching past behaviour
- predictable
stronger emphasis on the lack of surprise, often negative
- unexpected
behaving in a way that surprises people, the opposite of predictable
文法句型
true to form
true to type
true to character
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed phrases 'true to form', 'true to type', or 'true to character'. The phrase often introduces an example of the person's or thing's usual behaviour, and may carry a mildly critical or humorous tone.
常見錯誤
8. having all the qualities that make a person or thing a genuine, proper example o
真正的
名副其實；具備應有的特質
having all the qualities that make a person or thing a genuine, proper example of a particular type, so that they fully deserve the name or description.
A true friend supports you even when you have made a terrible mistake.
真正的朋友會在你犯下大錯的時候依然支持你。
pattern: true + [role noun]
After years of practice, Lan had finally become a true professional dancer.
經過多年練習，Lan 終於成為一名真正的專業舞者。
Folake believes that a true leader listens carefully before making a decision.
Folake 認為，真正的領導者會在做出決定之前仔細聆聽。
This sauce is not a true curry — it lacks the right spices for flavour.
這個醬汁不算真正的咖哩——它缺少應有的香料來提味。
The gallery only displays true Renaissance paintings that can be traced to the period.
這間美術館只展出可追溯至文藝復興時期的真跡畫作。
文法句型
true + [noun - role/type]
true + [noun] of + [category]
用法筆記
Always used before a noun (attributive position). The noun it modifies is typically a role, type, or category label (friend, leader, artist, scholar, diamond). Can appear in negative form ('not a true…') to say something or someone does not fully qualify.
常見錯誤
9. positioned, placed, or shaped in an exact way so that something is straight, lev
精準
位置或安裝完全正確，沒有歪斜
positioned, placed, or shaped in an exact way so that something is straight, level, or perfectly matches a required position.
The carpenter checked that the shelf was true before fixing it to the wall.
木工師傅檢查層架是否裝正了，才把它固定到牆上。
predicative: be true (level/straight)
The arrow flew straight and true, landing right in the centre of the target.
那支箭筆直地飛出去，正中靶心。
idiom: straight and true
Make sure the door frame is true to the vertical line marked on the wall.
要確認門框是否對齊牆上畫的垂直線。
One of the bicycle wheels was not true, so the ride felt bumpy and uneven.
腳踏車的一個輪子變形了，所以騎起來顛簸不穩。
Devika used a spirit level to check whether the floor was perfectly true.
Devika 用水平儀檢查地板是否完全平整。
- crooked
not straight or aligned
- warped
bent or twisted out of true shape
- out of true
the conventional negative form ('the wheel is out of true')
文法句型
be true
true to [reference point]
straight and true
用法筆記
Common in woodworking, construction, mechanics, and sports (archery, shooting). The predicative form ('the post is true') means it is straight/level; the attributive form is rarer ('a true edge'). The expression 'straight and true' is an idiomatic pair meaning 'in a perfectly straight line'.
常見錯誤
true — 副詞
1. in a way that follows a direct line toward a specific point, without turning or
筆直地
筆直地移動或瞄準，不偏離方向
in a way that follows a direct line toward a specific point, without turning or moving off course
Sayaka threw the knife true, and it stuck in the wooden board.
Sayaka 將刀子筆直地擲出，刀尖釘入木板中。
verb + true (aiming a thrown weapon)
The diver's body cut true through the water, barely making a splash.
潛水員的身體筆直划入水中，幾乎沒有濺起水花。
Élise aimed true and the ball flew straight into the goal.
Élise 瞄得很準，球直接飛進了球門。
With the compass pointing true to north, Christopher led the group across the snow.
指南針筆直指向北方，Christopher 帶著隊伍穿過雪地。
The missile flew true to its target, guided by the onboard computer.
飛彈筆直地飛向目標，由機載電腦全程引導。
- straight
more general — simply means without curves; 'true' adds the idea of staying on the intended line to the mark
- directly
emphasizes the shortest route from A to B; 'true' has a sense of precision aiming
- accurately
focuses on the result (hitting the target); 'true' emphasizes the path itself
- wide
used of a shot or throw that misses its target to one side
- off course
describes a moving object that has left its intended path
文法句型
verb + true
verb + true + to + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently followed by a 'to'-phrase that names the destination or target (e.g. 'true to the mark', 'true to the line'). The verb is usually one of aiming, throwing, or directional movement; the adverb answers 'in what manner?' — straight and on course.