사실
sasil[ˈsʰa̠(ː)ɕʰiɭ]
The English word 'actually' is translated into Korean as 사실 (sasil).
사실 is an adverb meaning 'in act or in fact', 'really', 'in truth' or 'positively'. It is most naturally placed at the beginning of a clause or sentence in Korean, unlike the English 'actually' which can be used mid-sentence to add emphasis.
Meaning: In act or in fact, really, in truth, positively (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 사실 is composed of the nouns 사 (matter/thing) and 실 (reality/truth), literally meaning 'fact' or 'truth'.
Which one should you use?
While 사실 can be used as a standalone adverb, the form 사실은 is more common when starting a sentence to correct a misconception or provide a surprising truth.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the topic marker 은 to 사실 creates the form 사실은, which means 'actually' or 'as for the fact'. This form is frequently used to introduce a contrasting truth or to emphasize the actual situation.
How do you pronounce it?
sasil
Did you know?
- The root 실 in 사실 is the same character used in 실제, meaning 'reality'. This root is shared with Japanese jitsu in words like jitsugyo meaning 'business' or 'actual work'.
- In certain contexts, using 사실 can act as a conversational 'buffer' to soften a blow or prepare the listener for news that might be disappointing or unexpected.
- In legal contexts, 사실 refers to 'factual evidence', and the phrase 사실 인정 is used specifically for the 'finding of facts' in a court of law.
Examples in context
- 난 사실 피아노를 꽤 잘 쳐.I actually play the piano pretty well.This sentence shows how to use 사실 to state a personal ability.Tatoeba #8365261 by Eunhee, translation #8290714 by CK
- 사실 우리는 선택의 여지가 없다Actually, we don't have a choice.This sentence demonstrates using 사실 to introduce a statement about a lack of choice.Tatoeba #9803421 by ST_Young, translation #4497659 by CK
- 난 사실 그걸 하는 것에 관심이 많아.I'm actually very interested in doing that.This sentence illustrates using 사실 to express an interest in something.Tatoeba #8362190 by Eunhee, translation #7134484 by CK
- 사실은 한국 음식을 더 좋아해요.(Actually, I prefer Korean food.)
- 사실, 내일 우리 약속 취소할게.(Actually, I need to cancel our appointment tomorrow.)
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are discussing a movie they just watched.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨는 이 영화가 재미있었어요?Hyunwoo ssineun i yeonghwaga jaemiisseosseoyo?Hyunwoo, did you find this movie interesting?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo사실 조금 지루했어요.Sasil jogeum jiruhasseoyo.Actually, it was a little boring.
- 민지 Min-ji정말요? 저는 정말 좋았거든요.Jeongmalyo? Jeoneun jeongmal joatgeodeunyo.Really? I actually liked it a lot.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럴 수도 있겠네요.Geureol sudo itgenneyo.I guess that could be.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “actually” translations and entries 사실, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
