📖 Words B1

실제

silje

reality / actual / real

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What it means

실제 means "reality" or "what is actually/truly the case." Often used in the compound 실제로 (in reality, actually). Very useful for nuanced expression.

Nuance & when to use

실제로 vs 사실은 both mean "actually" but differ slightly. 실제로 = in reality/in actuality (emphasizing what is real). 사실은 = as a matter of fact (introducing information). Common in everyday speech.

⚠ Common mistake

Don't confuse 실제 (reality) with 사실 (fact). They often overlap but 사실 is more "a stated fact" and 실제 is "the actual reality."

Example sentences

실제로 만나보니 달라요. Silje-ro mannaboni dallayo. Meeting in reality, it's different.
실제 상황이에요. Silje sanghwangieyo. This is the real situation.
실제로 해봐요. Silje-ro haebwayo. Try it in real life.

See also

사실 현실 진짜
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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More B1 lessons

-겠어요 -gesseoyo I will / I think / Seems like (intention/inference) 깜짝 kkamjjak Suddenly/startled (often '깜놀' = startled) -아/어 있다 -a/eo itda In the state of (resultant state)
← 신경 쓰지 마 심쿵 →

FAQ

When is this used?

실제로 vs 사실은 both mean "actually" but differ slightly. 실제로 = in reality/in actuality (emphasizing what is real). 사실은 = as a matter of fact (introducing information). Common in everyday speech.

What's a common mistake?

Don't confuse 실제 (reality) with 사실 (fact). They often overlap but 사실 is more "a stated fact" and 실제 is "the actual reality."

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