actual
“actual” means “current” in Spanish (happening now).
current, present-day
Also: up-to-date
📝 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.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: actual
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'actual'?
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📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *actualis*, meaning 'pertaining to action.' Over time in Spanish, its meaning shifted to focus specifically on the 'present state' or 'current action,' differentiating it from its English cousin.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.'