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"Ultimo" is an adverb which is often translated as "del mes pasado", and "actual" is an adjective which is often translated as "real". Learn more about the difference between "ultimo" and "actual" below.
ultimo(
uhl
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tih
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mo
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. del mes pasado
If you check your records, you will see that I sent my payment on the 15th ultimo.Si revisas los registros, verás que envié mi pago el 15 del mes pasado.
actual(
ahk
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chu
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uhl
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (real)
a. real
Obesity is an actual problem in our society.La obesidad es un problema real de nuestra sociedad.
2. (precise)
a. propiamente dicho
We are holding a big party the day after our actual wedding.Vamos a tener una fiesta grande el día después de nuestra boda propiamente dicha.
b. mismo
The book has a nice design, but the actual text leaves a lot to be desired.El diseño del libro es bonito, pero el texto mismo deja mucho que desear.
3. (specific)
a. textual
I can't remember her actual words, but it was something to the effect that she didn't like our way of doing things.No recuerdo sus palabras textuales, pero era algo así como que no le gustaba nuestra forma de hacer las cosas.