本当 concerns what is true; 実は introduces a fact the listener may not know.
The idea
Use 本当です to say something is true and 本当に before a predicate to mean “really”. 実は often opens a sentence that reveals a fact or corrects an impression: 実は、明日は行けません.
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| 本当 | 本当です |
| 本当に | 本当に楽しい |
| 実は | 実は、行けません |
Examples
- その話は本当です。That story is true.
- それは本当ですか。Is that really true?
- その映画は本当に楽しかったです。I really enjoyed the film.
- 実は、京都に住んでいます。Actually, I live in Kyoto.
- 実は、明日は行けません。Actually, I cannot go tomorrow.
- そのニュースは本当でした。The news was true.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No Japanese device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
Both can be translated “actually”, but they have different roles. 実は is not a noun used before です; 本当に emphasizes a statement without necessarily revealing a secret.
Try it yourself
その話は＿＿です。（本当／実は）
Show answer or example answer
本当
本当 completes 本当です, asserting that the story is true.
＿＿、明日は行けません。（本当／実は）
Show answer or example answer
実は
実は introduces the previously undisclosed inability to go.
この映画は＿＿に面白いです。（本当／実は）
Show answer or example answer
本当
本当 combines with に to emphasize 面白い: the film is really interesting.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
その話は＿＿です。（本当／実は）
＿＿、明日は行けません。（本当／実は）
この映画は＿＿に面白いです。（本当／実は）
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
Sign up for free to save your practice results in your account.
Sign up to saveI already have an accountUse it today
Say whether a story is true, then disclose something your listener may not know.