Actually Meaning in English

word

US

/ˈækˌtʃuəɫi/, /ˈækʃəɫi/, /ˈæktʃɫi/

AK-choo-uh-lee

UK

/ˈæktʃuːəli/

AK-choo-uh-lee

Definition

Used to show something is true or real, often giving a fact or correcting a wrong idea.

Usage & Nuances

Commonly used in spoken English to emphasize truth or reality, often to contradict or clarify. Usually informal but appropriate in writing. Avoid overuse as it can sound defensive.

• Spanish: en realidad - de hecho
• Portuguese (BR): na verdade - realmente
• Portuguese (PT): na verdade - realmente
• Chinese (Simplified): 实际上 - 其实
• Chinese (Traditional): 實際上 - 其實
• Hindi: वास्तव में - दरअसल
• Arabic: في الواقع - فعلاً
• Bengali: আসলেও - বাস্তবিকপক্ষে
• Russian: на самом деле - вообще-то
• Japanese: 実は - 本当は
• Vietnamese: thật ra - thực sự
• Korean: 사실 - 실제로
• Turkish: aslında - gerçekten
• Urdu: دراصل - واقعی طور پر
• Indonesian: sebenarnya - sebenarnya (benar-benar)

Example Sentences

I actually like spicy food.

basic

She said she was tired but actually she was excited.

basic

Actually, I have two brothers, not one.

basic

I actually thought you said 7, not 6.

natural

Well, I actually didn’t mind the movie!

natural

You might not believe it, but I actually enjoy doing homework.

natural