Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| de hecho | /de ˈet͡ʃo/ |
| sin ir más lejos | /ˌsin ˌiɾ ˌmas ˈlexos/ |
| en verdad | /em beɾˈdad/ |
| como cuestión de hecho | /komo kwestjon de et͡ʃo/ (from spelling rules) |
| como una cuestión de hecho | /komo una kwestjon de et͡ʃo/ (from spelling rules) |
'De hecho' can be used both to confirm a previous statement and to introduce information that contradicts or corrects what was just said.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de hecho is composed of the preposition de (of) and the noun hecho (fact).
Which one should you use?
En verdad can serve as a synonym for de hecho when emphasizing the truthfulness of a statement, but it carries a slightly more emphatic or formal tone. The forms como cuestión de hecho and como una cuestión de hecho are literal translations from English and are not natural in Spanish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the formal expression de hecho is commonly used. In Argentina, the expression en realidad is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/de ˈetʃo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often attempt to translate "as a matter of fact" literally as como cuestión de hecho, but this is an anglicism and is rarely used by native speakers. 'de hecho' is the natural equivalent.
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'without going any further' to introduce a perfect example, you can use sin ir más lejos.
- The word lejos in the phrase sin ir más lejos comes from the Latin word for 'wider' and is a distant relative of the English word 'languid'.
Examples in context
- De hecho, es cierto.As a matter of fact, it is true.This sentence shows how to use de hecho to confirm a truth.Tatoeba #1715902 by marcelostockle, translation #265089 by CM
- De hecho quedó convencido.As a matter of fact, he was convinced.This sentence demonstrates using de hecho to describe someone's state of conviction.Tatoeba #2264678 by cueyayotl, translation #2264677 by _undertoad
- De hecho, la bancarrota es inevitable.As a matter of fact, bankruptcy is inevitable.This sentence shows how to use de hecho to introduce an inevitable fact.Tatoeba #1237446 by marcelostockle, translation #265243 by CM
- De hecho, ella es la directora de la compañíaAs a matter of fact, she is the company's director
- En realidad, ese informe está incorrectoAs a matter of fact, that report is incorrect
- Oye, ese no es el camino correcto. De hecho, debes girar a la derechaHey, that's not the right way. As a matter of fact, you should turn right
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a movie they both saw.
- MateoMe gustó mucho la película.I liked the movie a lot.
- ElenaDe hecho, es mi favorita de todas.As a matter of fact, it is my favorite of all.
- Mateo¿En serio te gustó tanto?Really, did you like it that much?
- ElenaSí, Mateo, me encantó el final.Yes, Mateo, I loved the ending.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “as a matter of fact” translations and entries de hecho, sin ir más lejos, en verdad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, de hecho, hecho, ir, lejos, más, sin, sin ir más lejos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
