действи́тельно
dejstvítelʹno
The English word 'really' is translated into Russian as действи́тельно (dejstvítelʹno).
действи́тельно functions as an adverb meaning 'actually' or 'really'. You can use it to modify a verb, such as saying someone 'really works' or as a particle to express surprise or to confirm something in a response. It can also be used to indicate affirmation or agreement.
Meaning: actually (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
действи́тельно is an adverb derived from the adjective действи́тельный, which means 'actual' or 'real'.
Which one should you use?
While действи́тельно is a direct adverb for 'really', the phrase в са́мом де́ле is used to mean 'in actual fact' or 'in reality' to provide a more emphatic contrast between appearance and reality. Additionally, the phrase в са́мом де́ле is a common way to say 'really' or 'seriously' in everyday conversation.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
dejstvítelʹno
Did you know?
- The word действи́тельно is rooted in the word де́йствие, which means 'action'. This implies that something is 'real' because it has an actual effect or action in the world.
- To express an intense 'really' or 'truly' in a poetic or old-fashioned sense, Russians use исти́нно. This word is closely linked to religious texts and the concept of divine truth.
- While действи́тельно confirms a fact, Russians often use the word правда (which literally means 'truth') as a shorthand for 'really' or 'truly' in conversation.
Examples in context
- Действительно, это очень важноReally, this is very important.
- На самом деле, я не знал, что он ученыйActually, I didn't know he was a scientist.
- Вы действительно очень талантливый художникYou are really a talented artist.
- Ты правда это сделал?Did you really do that?
- Вы действительно говорите по-русски очень хорошоYou really speak Russian very well.
Example conversation
Dmitry and Anastasia are talking about a movie they both saw.
- Дмитрий DmitryТебе понравился этот фильм?Tebe ponravilsya etot fil'm?Did you like this movie?
- Анастасия AnastasiaДа, он действи́тельно интересный.Da, on dejstvitel'no interesnyj.Yes, it is really interesting.
- Дмитрий DmitryЯ думал, он будет скучным.Ya dumal, on budet skuchnym.I thought it would be boring.
- Анастасия AnastasiaТы просто ошибался, Дмитрий.Ty prosto oshibalsya, Dmitriy.You were just wrong, Dmitry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “really” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
