Learning Spanish can be tricky when it comes to false cognates—words that look similar in two languages but have different meanings. One common example is the English word “actually” and the Spanish word “actualmente.” While they appear similar, their meanings are quite different! Let’s break it down and learn how to say “actually” in Spanish, along with examples of how to use it correctly.
False Cognate Alert: “Actualmente” ≠ “Actually”
In Spanish, “actualmente” means “currently” or “at present.” It refers to something happening now or in the current time frame. It does not mean “actually.”
- Example:
- “Actualmente, estoy aprendiendo español.”
- (Currently, I am learning Spanish.)
- “La empresa actualmente está contratando nuevos empleados.”
- (The company is currently hiring new employees.)
- “Actualmente, estoy aprendiendo español.”
If you use “actualmente” when you mean “actually,” it can cause confusion because it doesn’t fit the intended meaning.
How to Say “Actually” in Spanish
The correct translations for “actually” depend on the context. Common options include:
1. De hecho
Use this when “actually” means “in fact” or “as a matter of fact.”
- Examples:
- “De hecho, ya terminé mi tarea.”
- (Actually, I already finished my homework.)
- “Pensé que era complicado, pero, de hecho, fue muy sencillo.”
- (I thought it was complicated, but actually, it was very simple.)
- “De hecho, ya terminé mi tarea.”
2. En realidad
Use this to express something closer to “in reality” or “the truth is.”
- Examples:
- “En realidad, no me gusta el café.”
- (Actually, I don’t like coffee.)
- “Parece difícil, pero en realidad es fácil.”
- (It seems hard, but actually, it’s easy.)
- “En realidad, no me gusta el café.”
3. La verdad es que
This is a conversational way to introduce a fact or truth.
- Examples:
- “La verdad es que no entendí la película.”
- (Actually, I didn’t understand the movie.)
- “La verdad es que prefiero quedarme en casa.”
- (Actually, I prefer staying at home.)
- “La verdad es que no entendí la película.”
Quick Comparison Table
| English | Spanish | Context/Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Actually | De hecho | To mean “in fact.” |
| Actually | En realidad | To mean “in reality.” |
| Actually | La verdad es que | To mean “the truth is.” |
| Currently | Actualmente | To mean “at present” or “now.” |
Practice Examples in Context
- “Actually, I’m not available this weekend.”
- En realidad, no estoy disponible este fin de semana.
- “Currently, I’m working on a new project.”
- Actualmente, estoy trabajando en un nuevo proyecto.
- “I thought you liked chocolate, but actually, you prefer vanilla.”
- Pensé que te gustaba el chocolate, pero, de hecho, prefieres la vainilla.
- “The truth is, I don’t know how to dance.”
- La verdad es que no sé bailar.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “actually” and “actualmente” is essential to avoid misunderstandings when speaking Spanish. Remember, “actualmente” means “currently,” and depending on the context, “actually” can be translated as “de hecho,” “en realidad,” or “la verdad es que.” Practice these terms in context to master them and sound more natural when you speak Spanish!
