actually
gb/ˈækt͡ʃəli/ us/ˈækt͡ʃəli/
A2
English
~ 400
valójában, valóban, igazából, tényleg
A2
1
Usage pattern:
actually [clause]
I thought he was joking, but he was actually serious.
Azt hittem, viccel, de valójában komolyan gondolta.
She actually finished the project ahead of schedule.
Valóban a határidő előtt fejezte be a projektet.
He seems confident, but he's actually quite nervous.
That movie was actually better than I expected.
Learner examples
It is actually very easy to make.
Valójában nagyon könnyű elkészíteni.
He is actually my brother.
Ő valójában a testvérem.
She is actually from Canada.
The shop is actually open on Sunday.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'actually' when they mean 'currently' because of false friends in other languages (e.g., 'actualmente' in Spanish).
Meaning
in reality or truth
Collocations
actually true
|actually happened
|actually works
|actually exists
Synonyms
really (Similar in meaning, but often more emotional or emphatic.)
|
in fact (More formal and neutral, often used in writing.)
Antonyms
supposedly (Suggests something is believed or claimed but may not be true.)
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to show that something is true, especially when it is different from what people think.
Used to indicate that something is true or real, often contrasting with what was expected or assumed.
B1
2
Usage pattern:
actually, [clause]
Actually, I don't agree with that.
Igazából nem értek egyet ezzel.
I thought she was American. Actually, she's Australian.
Azt hittem, amerikai. Valójában ausztrál.
Actually, we met before at a conference.
Learner examples
Actually, I can't come tomorrow.
Igazából holnap nem tudok jönni.
Actually, this is my seat.
Igazából ez az én helyem.
Actually, I am not hungry.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'actually' in corrections, making speech sound overly formal or abrupt.
Meaning
to express surprise or correction
Collocations
actually no
|actually yes
|actually I think
Synonyms
as a matter of fact (More formal and sometimes slightly emphatic.)
Antonyms
exactly (Confirms agreement rather than correcting.)
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to say something different from what someone thinks or said before.
Used to introduce a statement that corrects or contrasts with what has been said or assumed.
B1
3
Usage pattern:
actually [verb/phrase]
I actually enjoy cleaning the house.
Tényleg szeretek otthon takarítani.
He actually won the competition against all odds.
Minden esély ellenére tényleg megnyerte a versenyt.
We actually saw a whale during our trip.
Learner examples
I actually like this song.
Tényleg tetszik ez a dal.
She actually speaks three languages.
Ő tényleg három nyelven beszél.
We actually went to the same school.
Meaning
to emphasize truth or importance
Collocations
actually believe
|actually want
|actually know
Synonyms
truly (Slightly more formal and poetic in tone.)
Antonyms
barely (Suggests minimal degree rather than emphasis.)
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to make a statement stronger or more surprising.
Used to add emphasis to a statement, making it stronger or more surprising.
Grammar
Dictionary form
actually
IPA
GB/ˈækt͡ʃəli/
US/ˈækt͡ʃəli/
Syllables & stress
ac - tu - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ac)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: actually
- Plural: actuallies
Word family
Expressions
actually speaking
1/ˈækt͡ʃəli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
talking about reality or facts directly
Used to say that you are talking about the real facts of something.
Examples
- Actually speaking, the plan is not possible.
- Actually speaking, we don't have enough data yet.
not actually
1/nˈɑt ˈækt͡ʃəli/
fixed phrase
not in reality or truth
Used to say that something is not really true or did not really happen.
Examples
- It looks dangerous, but it's not actually harmful.
- He seemed angry, but he was not actually upset.
what actually happened
1/wˈʌt ˈækt͡ʃəli hˈæpənd/
fixed phrase
describe the real events that occurred
Used to ask about or explain the real events in a situation.
Examples
- Can you tell me what actually happened last night?
- Here's what actually happened during the meeting.