Translation guide
The English word "fact" covers a range of meanings from objective truth to specific pieces of information. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you are stating a truth, presenting evidence, or referring to a known piece of information.
in fact
Used to introduce a contrasting or clarifying statement.
Referring to something that is true, not an opinion or belief.
Referring to a specific known piece of information, often in the context of reporting or listing.
Also used for individual facts, especially in formal contexts like news or reports.
Introducing a statement that clarifies, contrasts, or emphasizes.
Used in phrases like 'the fact is' or 'the fact that'.
Pattern for 'the fact that...'. Nominalizes a clause.
In casual conversation, directly translating 'fact' as 事実 can sound overly formal or stiff. Often, rephrasing the sentence without the word 'fact' is more natural.
It's a fact that he didn't come.
Facts are stubborn things.
Proverb-like expression.
Judge based on facts.
現実を受け入れる。
Accept the facts/reality.
Several facts came to light.
Often used when 'fact' means a piece of information or data. More neutral and common in everyday language.
He didn't know that fact.
Gather accurate facts.
Commonly used as 'in fact' or 'actually'. Can be placed at the beginning of a sentence or before the verb.
In fact, he didn't come.
He didn't actually come.
Used to reveal a truth or confess something, similar to 'actually' or 'the fact is'. Often implies the listener doesn't know.
As a matter of fact, I think so too.
The fact that he quit is surprising.
Means 'the fact of the matter is' or 'in reality'.
The fact is, the budget is insufficient.
事実 (jijitsu) is an objective fact or truth. 現実 (genjitsu) is reality as opposed to ideals or imagination. 真実 (shinjitsu) is a deeper, often emotional or moral truth. Use 事実 for most 'fact' contexts.
I don't care about the facts.
Casual and dismissive.