実じつは

じ

つ

は

Common wordJLPTN4Freq.FrequencyTop 1,000

Meanings

actually; as a matter of fact; to tell the truth

Used to introduce a fact that may be surprising, to reveal the real situation, or to preface an honest statement. Often softens what follows.

実じつは、今日きょうが誕たん生じょう日びなんです。
Actually, today is my birthday.
実じつは、まだ誰だれにも話はなしていません。
To tell the truth, I haven't told anyone yet.

See all 307 example sentences ›

Kanji

実reality, truth, seed

Related words

実じっ際さいN3
実際 is used objectively to contrast reality with theory or expectation, while 実は is used more personally to reveal a hidden or surprising fact.
何なにを隠かくそう
実は is the everyday word for 'actually/to tell the truth', while 何を隠そう is a more dramatic, set-phrase way of introducing a confession.
実じっ際さいは
実は is more conversational and often introduces a personal secret or confession, while 実際は is more objective and used to state the factual reality of a situation.
実じっ際さいにN3
実は introduces a hidden or surprising truth ('to tell the truth'), while 実際に simply confirms that something is true in reality.

Don't confuse with

実じつにN3
実は looks similar to 実に but means 'actually/as a matter of fact', introducing a hidden or surprising fact rather than emphasizing degree like 実に.

Etymology

From 実 (じつ, 'truth, reality') + topic particle は (pronounced わ). The phrase grammaticalized into a fixed adverbial expression meaning 'in truth' or 'actually'.