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en realidad means actually — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 11, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

en realidad

expression • /[en reh-ah-LEE-dad]/

actually

Example:

En realidad, no es tan difícil.

Actually, it's not that difficult.

🧠 What does en realidad mean?

The Spanish expression 'en realidad' translates to 'actually' or 'in reality' in English. It's used to clarify or contrast something with a previous statement, often implying a correction or a surprising truth. Think of it as a way to reveal what's truly going on beneath the surface.

📚 Extra examples

  • Pensé que era médico, pero en realidad es ingeniero.
    I thought he was a doctor, but actually he's an engineer.
  • Dijo que estaba ocupada, pero en realidad no quería ir.
    She said she was busy, but in reality she didn't want to go.
  • Parece difícil, pero en realidad es bastante sencillo.
    It seems difficult, but it's actually quite simple.
  • En realidad, no me importa mucho.
    Actually, I don't really care.
  • No estoy segura, en realidad.
    I'm not sure, actually.

💡 Did You Know?

'En realidad' literally translates to 'in reality,' which helps understand its core meaning of revealing the true situation.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "en realidad"

Synonyms: de hecho, realmente, en verdad

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'actually' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'actually' in Spanish is 'en realidad'. Other options include 'de hecho', 'realmente', and 'en verdad', though they have slightly different nuances.
How do you pronounce 'en realidad' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'en re-al-i-dad'. The 'en' is like the 'en' in 'enter', the 're' is a short 'e' sound like in 'red', the 'al' is like the 'al' in 'pal', the 'i' is a short 'i' like in 'in', and the 'dad' is like the 'dad' in 'dad'.
How do you use 'en realidad' in a sentence?
You can use 'en realidad' at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. For example: 'En realidad, no lo sé' (Actually, I don't know), 'No lo sé, en realidad' (I don't know, actually), or 'Lo que en realidad pasó fue...' (What actually happened was...).
What is the English translation of 'en realidad'?
The English translation of 'en realidad' is 'actually' or 'in reality'.
Does 'en realidad' change for gender or number?
No, 'en realidad' is an adverbial phrase and doesn't change its form.
Is 'en realidad' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'en realidad' is a very common expression used in everyday conversations.
Does 'en realidad' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'en realidad' doesn't have any slang or double meanings. It's a straightforward expression.
Is 'en realidad' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, 'en realidad' is used in the same way and has the same meaning across both Spain and Latin America.

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