Translation guide
The English word "actually" has several distinct functions: correcting a misconception, softening a contradiction, introducing surprising information, or emphasizing reality. Japanese uses different expressions for each, and direct translation often sounds unnatural.
Use when you are about to say something the listener probably doesn't know, often with a sense of confession or disclosure.
The most common way to introduce a fact that may be surprising or previously unknown. Often used at the beginning of a sentence.
実は、来月結婚するんです。
Actually, I'm getting married next month.
実は、彼のことはあまり知らないんです。
Actually, I don't know much about him.
Similar to 実は, but emphasizes the contrast with what was assumed or expected. Often implies a hidden truth.
本当は行きたくなかったんです。
Actually, I didn't want to go.
A more formal or emphatic way to say 'to tell the truth'. Used in serious confessions.
実を言うと、会社を辞めようと思っています。
Actually, I'm thinking of quitting my job.
Use when you want to gently correct a misunderstanding or express a differing opinion without being too direct.
Starting with いや (or いやいや for stronger contradiction) softens the correction. It's like saying 'Well, actually...' in English. Often followed by ～んです for explanation.
いや、そうじゃなくて、明日なんです。
Actually, it's not that, it's tomorrow.
いやいや、彼は先生じゃないですよ。
No, actually, he's not a teacher.
Used to rephrase or correct what you just said, or to offer a more accurate description. Similar to 'or rather' or 'actually, I mean...'.
面白いというか、不思議な映画だった。
It was an interesting, or actually, a strange movie.
Directly saying 'That's wrong' before giving the correct information. Can be blunt, so use with caution.
Can sound rude if not used among close friends.
違う、違う、そういう意味じゃない。
No, actually, that's not what I meant.
Use when you want to stress that something is true, real, or actually happened, often contrary to expectations.
Means 'in reality' or 'in fact'. Used to emphasize that something is not just hypothetical.
実際にやってみたら、簡単だった。
Actually, when I tried it, it was easy.
実際に会ったことはないんです。
Actually, I've never met him in person.
Often translates as 'really' or 'truly', but can be used like 'actually' when confirming truth.
Means 'in fact' or 'as a matter of fact', often used to present evidence. More formal or written.
Use when 'actually' is used as a filler or to make a statement less direct, often in spoken English.
In many cases, English 'actually' is just a softener and doesn't need a direct translation. Using なんか or ちょっと can add a similar vague softness.
なんか、ちょっと違う気がする。
Actually, I feel like it's a bit different.
それがちょっと…。
Well, actually, that's a bit...
Directly translating 'actually' as 実際に or 実は in every case will sound unnatural. Pay attention to the function: are you revealing, correcting, or emphasizing? Choose the expression that matches that intent.
実は introduces new information neutrally. 本当は implies a contrast with a false appearance or assumption, often with a nuance of 'the truth is, contrary to what you might think'.
実は日本に行ったことがないんです。
Actually, I've never been to Japan.
高いと思ったけど、実際は安かった。
I thought it was expensive, but actually it was cheap.
本当は寿司が好きじゃないんです。
Actually, I don't like sushi.
本当にあった話です。
It's a story that actually happened.
Actually, many people are saying so.