Word Detail

The Japanese word 実際 (じっさい) primarily means "actually," "in fact," "really," "in reality," or "practically." It emphasizes that something is true or the way things are, as opposed to what might be assumed, imagined, or expected. It can also indicate something is happening right now, or is a concrete fact. The nuance can vary depending on context, but the core idea is about emphasizing the truth or the realistic situation. It can convey a sense of surprise, confirmation, or even disappointment, depending on how it's used. It can be translated as "in reality" or "as a matter of fact". It often contrasts with abstract ideas or hypothetical situations. It also implies that something is happening at the present time or it is a concrete fact.

⚫︎実際、難しい問題です。 Translation: Actually, it's a difficult problem. ⚫︎あの人は、[実際] にはとても親切です。 Translation: That person is actually very kind. ⚫︎[実際] に、彼は来ませんでした。 Translation: In fact, he didn't come.

⚫︎ Use 実際 to introduce a fact that may be unexpected or contrast with what was previously stated. ⚫︎ It can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, though it's most common at the beginning or in the middle. ⚫︎ It can be used to emphasize the truth or to confirm that something is happening as stated. ⚫︎ Often used to correct misunderstandings or to provide a more accurate picture of a situation.

⚫︎ 実際 is usually written with the kanji 実際 and read as じっさい (hiragana). ⚫︎ There are no other common ways to write this word. ⚫︎ The okurigana (送りがな) doesn't change.

⚫︎ 本当に (ほんとうに) - "really," "truly" ⚫︎ 実は (じつは) - "actually," "as a matter of fact" ⚫︎ 現実には (げんじつには) - "in reality," "in the real world" ⚫︎ 本当は (ほんとうは) - "in truth," "actually" ⚫︎ 現実 (げんじつ) - "reality"

⚫︎ 虚構 (きょこう) - "fiction," "fabrication" ⚫︎ 嘘 (うそ) - "lie," "falsehood"

[実際] 、彼はもう出発した。 ・Translation: Actually, he has already left. ・Explanation: This sentence uses [実際] to emphasize that the person has already departed, which might be contrary to what the listener expected.

この映画は[実際] に、とても面白かった。 ・Translation: This movie was actually very interesting. ・Explanation: This sentence utilizes [実際] to emphasize how interesting the movie was, possibly exceeding expectations.

The word [実際] is composed of two kanji: 実 (じつ) meaning "truth," "reality," or "fruit," and 際 (さい) meaning "occasion," "time," or "circumstance." Combined, they create the sense of "in reality" or "actual circumstances."