de hecho
/de ˈet͡ʃo/
The English phrase "in fact" is translated into Spanish as de hecho.
The phrase de hecho is used to introduce a statement that clarifies, confirms or adds more information to a point you have just made, similar to the English phrase "as a matter of fact".
Meaning: actually, in truth (prep_phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is composed of the preposition de (of) and the noun hecho (fact), which literally translates to "of fact".
How do you pronounce it?
/de ˈetʃo/
Did you know?
- In legal contexts, Spanish uses de hecho to describe things like a 'common-law marriage' unión de hecho, referring to a relationship that exists in practice but not by official law.
- While de hecho introduces a fact, Spanish speakers often use the phrase de hecho to gently contradict someone, acting as a polite bridge before correcting a statement.
- The phrase de hecho is a direct translation of the Latin term 'de facto', which is also used in English legal and political contexts to describe a state of affairs that exists in reality regardless of official law.
Examples in context
- De hecho, él mintió.In fact, he lied.This sentence shows how to use de hecho to introduce a statement about lying.Tatoeba #1238865 by Shishir, translation #4426618 by AlanF_US
- De hecho, él la ama.In fact, he loves her.This sentence shows how to use de hecho to introduce a statement about love.Tatoeba #1551122 by marcelostockle, translation #265253 by CK
- De hecho nací en Boston.In fact, I was born in Boston.This sentence shows how to use de hecho to introduce a statement about one's place of birth.Tatoeba #5567231 by swyter, translation #2100016 by AlanF_US
- De hecho, el informe muestra claramente que las ventas han aumentado este trimestre.In fact, the report clearly shows that sales have increased this quarter.
- No pensamos que fuera a nevar hoy, pero en realidad, ha nevado toda la noche.We didn't think it would snow today, but in fact, it has been snowing all night.
- No me gusta el fútbol, pero en realidad, sí entiendo las reglas.I don't like soccer, but in fact, I do understand the rules.
- Crees que es difícil, pero o sea, en realidad, es más sencillo de lo que parece.You think it's difficult, but actually, it is easier than it seems.
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in fact” translations and entries de hecho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, de hecho, hecho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
