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de hecho means in fact — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 12, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

de hecho

expression • /[deh EH-cho]/

in fact

Example:

De hecho, ya terminé todo.

In fact, I've already finished everything.

🧠 What does de hecho mean?

The Spanish expression "de hecho" translates to "in fact" or "actually" in English. It's used to emphasize a point, confirm something, or add a detail that reinforces a previous statement. Think of it as a way to add extra weight or certainty to what you're saying.

📚 Extra examples

  • Dijo que vendría, y de hecho, ya está aquí.
    He said he would come, and in fact, he's already here.
  • No solo es una buena cantante, de hecho, es una de las mejores.
    She's not just a good singer, in fact, she's one of the best.
  • Pensé que sería difícil, de hecho, fue bastante fácil.
    I thought it would be difficult, in fact, it was quite easy.
  • De hecho, prefiero el té al café.
    In fact, I prefer tea to coffee.
  • No me gusta el pescado. De hecho, lo odio.
    I don't like fish. In fact, I hate it.

💡 Did You Know?

While "de hecho" literally translates to "of fact," using "of fact" in English sounds unnatural. Stick with "in fact" or "actually" for smooth, natural-sounding English.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "de hecho"

Synonyms: en realidad, a decir verdad, de veras

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'in fact' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'in fact' in Spanish is 'de hecho'.
How do you pronounce 'de hecho' in Spanish?
'De hecho' is pronounced 'deh EH-cho'. The 'de' is like the 'de' in 'delay', and the 'hecho' rhymes with 'echo'.
How do you use 'de hecho' in a sentence?
You can use 'de hecho' at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, depending on what you want to emphasize. For example: 'De hecho, me encanta cocinar' (In fact, I love to cook), or 'Me encanta cocinar, de hecho' (I love to cook, in fact).
What is the English translation of 'de hecho'?
The English translation of 'de hecho' is 'in fact', 'actually', or 'as a matter of fact'.
Does 'de hecho' change for gender or number?
No, 'de hecho' is an invariable expression. It always stays the same, regardless of the gender or number of the words around it.
Is 'de hecho' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'de hecho' is very common in everyday Spanish, both spoken and written.
Does 'de hecho' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'de hecho' doesn't have any slang or double meanings. It's a straightforward and commonly used expression.
Is 'de hecho' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, 'de hecho' is used the same way in Spain and Latin America. Its meaning and usage are consistent across the Spanish-speaking world.

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