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"As a matter of fact" is a phrase which is often translated as "de hecho", and "actually" is an adverb which is often translated as "realmente". Learn more about the difference between "as a matter of fact" and "actually" below.
as a matter of fact(
ahz
 
uh
 
mah
-
duhr
 
uhv
 
fahkt
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. de hecho
We're good friends. As a matter of fact, he's with me tonight.Somos muy buenos amigos. De hecho, él está conmigo esta noche.
b. en realidad
It's not too far to walk. As a matter of fact, I just walked that way yesterday.No es muy lejos para caminar. En realidad, caminé hacia allá justo ayer.
c. por cierto
Chicago is a cold city. As a matter of fact, the winters sometimes last six months.Chicago es una ciudad fría. Por cierto, los inviernos a veces duran seis meses.
d. a decir verdad
Tom is not a bad man. As a matter of fact, he's been very kind to my sister.Tom no es un hombre malo. A decir verdad, ha sido muy amable con mi hermana.
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actually(
ahk
-
chu
-
uh
-
li
)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. realmente
She's not actually levitating. It's an illusion.Ella no está realmente levitando. Es una ilusión.
b. en realidad
I'm not actually sure where we're supposed to meet.En realidad no estoy segura dónde se supone que nos encontremos.
a. realmente
I can't believe we're actually on vacation!¡No puedo creer que realmente estamos de vacaciones!
b. de verdad
I can't believe you actually ate a grasshopper!¡No puedo creer que de verdad comiste un chapulín!
a. exactamente
What did your father actually say to you?¿Qué te dijo exactamente tu papá?
a. de hecho
Did you like the play? I've read very bad reviews. - Actually, I thought it was great.¿Te gustó la obra? He leído muy malas críticas. - De hecho, me pareció estupenda.
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