actual
ak-TOO-al
📝 In Action
La situación actual del mercado es inestable.
B1The current situation of the market is unstable.
Necesitamos revisar el horario actual de clases.
A2We need to check the present-day class schedule.
Esta es la versión actual del software.
B1This is the up-to-date version of the software.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Agrees in Number
As an adjective, 'actual' must match the noun it describes in number. For example: 'el informe actual' (singular) vs. 'los informes actuales' (plural). It stays the same for masculine and feminine nouns.
❌ Common Pitfalls
False Friend Alert!
Mistake: "The actual problem is... (El actual problema es...)"
Correction: The *real* problem is... (El *verdadero* problema es...). Remember, 'actual' means 'current' or 'present,' not 'real' or 'genuine'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Time, Not Reality
Only use 'actual' when talking about something happening right now or belonging to the present era. If you want to say 'real,' use 'real' or 'verdadero'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: actual
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'actual'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I use 'actual' to mean 'real' or 'genuine'?
This is the most common mistake! 'Actual' is a 'false friend' (a word that looks like English but means something different). In Spanish, 'actual' strictly means 'current' or 'present.' If you want to say 'real,' use the Spanish word 'real' or 'verdadero.'
If 'actual' means 'current,' how do I say 'currently'?
You would use the adverb 'actualmente.' For example, 'Actualmente vivo en Madrid' means 'I currently live in Madrid.'