Dictionary
English - Dutch

Real

ˈri(ə)l
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

werkelijk, echt, daadwerkelijk, letterlijk

Real meanings in Dutch

werkelijk

Example:
Is this a real diamond?
Is dit een werkelijk diamant?
I want to know if this is a real story.
Ik wil weten of dit een werkelijk verhaal is.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when distinguishing between something that is genuine or true versus something that is fake or fictional.
Note: The word 'werkelijk' is often used in both formal and informal contexts. It's important to note that in casual conversations, 'echt' can also be used interchangeably.

echt

Example:
This is a real friend.
Dit is een echte vriend.
I love real music, not the synthetic stuff.
Ik hou van echte muziek, niet van de synthetische dingen.
Usage: informalContext: Commonly used in everyday language to emphasize authenticity or sincerity.
Note: 'Echt' is more colloquial and widely used in spoken Dutch. It can also express emphasis on the truthfulness of a statement.

daadwerkelijk

Example:
He is a real expert in his field.
Hij is een daadwerkelijk expert in zijn vak.
What is the real reason for the delay?
Wat is de daadwerkelijke reden voor de vertraging?
Usage: formalContext: Often used in more formal contexts, such as academic or professional discussions.
Note: This term emphasizes the actual or factual nature of something, often used to clarify or specify a point.

letterlijk

Example:
He literally ran away.
Hij is letterlijk weggerend.
I mean it in the real sense of the word.
Ik bedoel het in de letterlijke zin van het woord.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when referring to the exact meaning of a word or phrase, as opposed to figurative language.
Note: 'Letterlijk' is often used to clarify that something should be taken at face value, without metaphorical interpretation.

Real's synonyms

genuine

Genuine means truly what something is said to be; authentic.
Example: She has a genuine interest in helping others.
Note: Genuine implies a sense of authenticity and sincerity.

authentic

Authentic refers to something that is genuine or real, not a copy or imitation.
Example: The painting was confirmed to be an authentic Picasso.
Note: Authentic emphasizes the originality or legitimacy of something.

actual

Actual refers to something that exists in reality, not just in theory or imagination.
Example: The actual cost of the project was higher than expected.
Note: Actual is often used to distinguish between what is real and what is perceived or expected.

true

True means in accordance with fact or reality.
Example: His love for her was true and unwavering.
Note: True can also imply faithfulness or loyalty in addition to being real.

legitimate

Legitimate means conforming to the law or to rules.
Example: The company operates as a legitimate business in compliance with the law.
Note: Legitimate often implies legality or validity in addition to being real.

Real expressions, common phrases

Real deal

Refers to something or someone authentic, genuine, or of high quality.
Example: She's the real deal when it comes to baking. Her cakes are amazing!
Note: The phrase 'real deal' emphasizes authenticity or genuineness compared to just being 'real'.

Real time

Means that something is happening immediately or without delay.
Example: The data is updated in real time, so you can see changes instantly.
Note: The term 'real time' specifies that something is happening instantly, as opposed to being 'real' which is a general term for authenticity.

Real estate

Refers to property consisting of land or buildings.
Example: He works in real estate, helping people buy and sell properties.
Note: While 'real' pertains to authenticity, 'real estate' specifically refers to property and the industry surrounding it.

Realize one's potential

To recognize and achieve one's full capabilities or talents.
Example: She finally realized her potential as a singer after years of practice.
Note: This phrase goes beyond just being 'real', focusing on recognizing and achieving one's full potential.

Real world

Refers to the practical or actual world outside of a controlled environment.
Example: Students need to apply what they learn in the classroom to the real world.
Note: While 'real' can mean genuine, 'real world' specifically refers to practical application outside of a theoretical context.

Real talk

To have a serious, honest, or straightforward conversation.
Example: Let's have some real talk about what's been going on in the company.
Note: The phrase 'real talk' implies a candid and direct conversation, going beyond just being 'real' in general.

Real McCoy

Refers to something that is genuine, of high quality, or the real thing.
Example: This watch is the real McCoy, not a cheap imitation.
Note: The term 'real McCoy' emphasizes authenticity and quality, distinguishing it from just being 'real'.

Real everyday (slang) expressions

Keep it real

To be honest and genuine, not fake or deceptive.
Example: I always keep it real with my friends, no matter what.
Note:

For real

An expression used to confirm that something is true or serious.
Example: Are you coming to the party? - For real, I wouldn't miss it for anything.
Note:

Real smooth

To handle something in a skillful or composed manner.
Example: She handled the situation real smooth, you couldn't even tell there was a problem.
Note:

Real - Examples

The real reason for his absence was never revealed.
De echte reden voor zijn afwezigheid werd nooit onthuld.
This is the real deal, not a knockoff.
Dit is de echte deal, geen namaak.
The real challenge is yet to come.
De echte uitdaging moet nog komen.

Real grammar

Real - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: real
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): realer
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): realest
Adjective (Adjective): real
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): reals, reis, reales, riales
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): real
Syllables, Separation and Stress
real Contains 2 syllables: re • al
Phonetic transcription: ˈrē(-ə)l
re al , ˈrē( ə)l (The red syllable is stressed)

Real - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
real: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy helps you discover, organize, and learn new words and phrases with ease. Build personalized vocabulary collections, and practice anytime, anywhere.