Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Actually" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "actually", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
実際に
じっさいに (jissai ni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
現に
げんに (genni)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "actually" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 実際に and 現に.
In Japanese, 実際に (じっさいに (jissai ni)) is typically associated with "actually, in practice, in fact" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to emphasize what really happened or is true, often contrasting with what was expected or thought..
On the other hand, 現に (げんに (genni)) maps to "actually; in fact; really; as a matter of fact" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to confirm or emphasize that something is true or actually happening, often to provide concrete evidence or to contradict a previous statement or assumption. Similar to 'in reality' or 'as it turns out'.. A literal translation of "actually" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "実際に"
彼は口では強気だが、実際にやってみると失敗が多い。
He talks tough, but when he actually tries, he often fails.
Bilingual Context for "現に"
彼はできないと言っていたが、現にその仕事を成功させた。
He said he couldn't do it, but in fact, he successfully completed the job.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は口では強気だが、 ＿＿＿ やってみると失敗が多い。" (Meaning: "He talks tough, but when he actually tries, he often fails.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "実際に" fits here because it means "actually, in practice, in fact" in the context of: "He talks tough, but when he actually tries, he often fails.". "現に" represents "actually; in fact; really; as a matter of fact".