Translation guide
Expresses that something is true or happens in actual fact, often contrasting with appearances, assumptions, or hypotheticals.
To say that the real situation is different from what it seems or what was thought.
A common and neutral way to say 'in reality' or 'actually', often used to correct a misconception.
彼は強そうに見えるが、実際はとても優しい。
He looks tough, but in reality he's very kind.
Used to reveal a truth or fact, often with a nuance of 'to tell the truth' or 'actually'. Common in conversation.
実は、私も同じことを考えていた。
In reality, I was thinking the same thing.
Emphasizes the contrast with an ideal or imagined situation. Slightly more formal or written.
夢は大きいが、現実には予算が足りない。
The dream is big, but in reality the budget is insufficient.
Similar to 実は, but can sound more direct or emotional. Often used when confessing true feelings or facts.
本当は行きたくなかった。
In reality, I didn't want to go.
To emphasize that something is factually true, not just an opinion or possibility.
Means 'actually' or 'in fact', used to state that something really happened or is true.
実際にその事件を目撃した人は少ない。
Few people actually witnessed the incident.
Similar to 実際に, but often used for serious or tangible realities, sometimes with a nuance of 'in the real world'.
現実にそんなことが起こるとは思わなかった。
I never thought such a thing would happen in reality.
A noun meaning 'fact', often used in formal contexts. Can be used as '事実、～' to mean 'in fact'.
To contrast how things work in theory versus how they actually work.
The most common way to say 'in practice' or 'in reality' when contrasting with theory or plans.
理論上は可能だが、実際には難しい。
It's possible in theory, but in reality it's difficult.
Means 'realistically' or 'from a practical standpoint'. Often used when discussing feasibility.
現実的には、その案は採用されないだろう。
In reality, that proposal probably won't be adopted.
実際は is used for objective contrasts with appearances or assumptions. 実は is more subjective, often revealing personal information or a hidden truth. 実は can sound like a confession.
彼は若く見えるが、実際は40歳だ。
He looks young, but in reality he's 40.
実は、私も40歳なんです。
Actually, I'm also 40.
The English phrase 'in reality' can often be translated directly as 現実には, but this can sound stiff or overly dramatic in casual speech. In many cases, 実際は or 実は are more natural.
彼は自信ありげに見えるが、実際は緊張している。
He seems confident, but in reality he's nervous.
実際に、一発で成功する人はほとんどいない。
In reality, very few people succeed on the first try.
In reality, the plan was a failure.