実(じつ)は

じつは
adverb / expression
actually, to tell the truth
1. actually, in fact, to tell the truth
Used to introduce new or surprising information, often something that contradicts expectations or that the speaker has been hesitant to reveal.
実(じつ)は、私(わたし)も日本(にほん)に行(い)ったことがある。
Actually, I've also been to Japan.
実(じつ)は、あの話(はなし)は嘘(うそ)だった。
To tell the truth, that story was a lie.
彼(かれ)は実(じつ)は医者(いしゃ)だ。
He's actually a doctor.
Can appear sentence-internally
実(じつ)は、明日(あした)から海外(かいがい)に行(い)くことになったんです。
Actually, it turns out I'm going abroad starting tomorrow.
笑顔(えがお)で話(はな)していたが、実(じつ)はとても辛(つら)い思(おも)いをしていた。
She was talking with a smile, but actually she was going through a very hard time.

実(じつ)は is used to introduce truthful or surprising information. It signals that what follows may be unexpected or previously unknown.

POSITION:

  • Usually appears at the beginning of a sentence
  • Can also appear before the main clause within a sentence

USAGE PATTERNS:

  • Revealing hidden truth: 実(じつ)は、彼女(かのじょ)は私(わたし)の姉(あね)です (Actually, she's my older sister)
  • Correcting a misunderstanding: 実(じつ)は違(ちが)うんです (Actually, that's not right)
  • Introducing a confession: 実(じつ)は困(こま)っています (To be honest, I'm troubled)

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 本当(ほんとう)は: similar meaning, slightly more emphatic
  • 実際(じっさい)(に): 'in reality' - more objective
  • 正直(しょうじき)に言(い)うと: 'to be honest' - more explicit about honesty

Related Words

Synonym: 本当(ほんとう)は (truly, in reality)
Related: 実際(じっさい) (actually, in reality)
core
Added 2026.1.11 18:49 · Revised 2026.2.23 13:18
02500/02524_jitsuha