The two expressions overlap, but often foreground different functions.
The idea
En efecto commonly confirms a preceding statement. De hecho often introduces a fact that illustrates or strengthens it; either may confirm in some contexts.
| Expresión | Función habitual |
|---|---|
| en efecto | confirmar lo dicho |
| de hecho | aportar un dato que ilustra o refuerza lo dicho |
Examples
- El museo abre los lunes. En efecto, lo indica su horario.The museum opens on Mondays. Indeed, its schedule confirms it.
- La ruta es larga. En efecto, mide veinte kilómetros.The route is long. Indeed, it is twenty kilometres long.
- El taller es gratuito. En efecto, no se cobra matrícula.The workshop is free. Indeed, no registration fee is charged.
- El huerto produce mucho; de hecho, abastece a tres familias.The garden produces a lot; in fact, it supplies three families.
- La biblioteca ofrece actividades; de hecho, organiza un club de lectura.The library offers activities; in fact, it runs a reading club.
- El edificio ahorra energía; de hecho, utiliza paneles solares.The building saves energy; in fact, it uses solar panels.
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Watch out
Do not treat the two as mutually exclusive: context can make both natural.
Try it yourself
Choose the expression that best fits the stated function. Confirma explícitamente lo dicho: ¿Está abierta la piscina? Sí, ___, abre a las ocho. (en efecto / de hecho)
Show answer or example answer
en efecto
en efecto: the speaker explicitly confirms the pool’s opening.
Choose the expression that best fits the stated function. Introduce un dato que ilustra la afirmación: El barrio tiene vida cultural; ___, celebra un festival anual. (en efecto / de hecho)
Show answer or example answer
de hecho
de hecho: the festival is a specific illustration of cultural activity.
Choose the expression that best fits the stated function. Añade un ejemplo concreto: El centro facilita el acceso; ___, dispone de rampas. (en efecto / de hecho)
Show answer or example answer
de hecho
de hecho: the ramps provide concrete evidence of accessibility.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the expression that best fits the stated function. Confirma explícitamente lo dicho: ¿Está abierta la piscina? Sí, ___, abre a las ocho. (en efecto / de hecho)
Choose the expression that best fits the stated function. Introduce un dato que ilustra la afirmación: El barrio tiene vida cultural; ___, celebra un festival anual. (en efecto / de hecho)
Choose the expression that best fits the stated function. Añade un ejemplo concreto: El centro facilita el acceso; ___, dispone de rampas. (en efecto / de hecho)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Choose the expression that most clearly performs the requested function.