実じつは

じ

つ

は

Common wordJLPTN4Freq.FrequencyTop 1,000

Meanings

1

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.

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'.