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実際
じっさい (jissai)
actually / in reality
実際のところ、彼は知らなかった。
Actually, he didn’t know.
formal
In reality; as a matter of fact; truly.
実際にあった話だ。
It’s a true story that actually happened.
実際の金額はこれより高い。
The actual amount is higher than this.
Used to emphasize the truth or reality of a situation, often contrasting with expectations or appearances.
formal
Practical experience; hands-on.
実際の仕事を経験する。
Experience the actual work.
Refers to real-world application or experience, as opposed to theory.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Contrast with expectations
Use 実際 to highlight a fact that might surprise or contradict what was previously thought or stated. Example: 「彼は日本語が話せないと言ったが、実際は上手だった。」(He said he couldn’t speak Japanese, but in reality he was good at it.)
Gold Rule
Positioning
When used as an adverb, 実際 often appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause to emphasize a contrast. Example: 「実際、彼の話は信じられない。」(Actually, I can’t believe his story.)
Word Origin
From 中古日本語 '実 (じつ)' meaning 'truth' or 'reality' + '際 (さい)' meaning 'occasion' or 'situation'. Combined to mean 'the actual situation' or 'in reality'.
Usage Notes
1. Often used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a contrasting fact. 2. Can be used as a noun ('the actual thing') or an adverb ('actually'). 3. In casual speech, sometimes shortened to 'じつ' (jitsu).
Word Breakdown
実
truth / reality
root際
occasion / situation
root和英辞典