realmente

/rreh-ahl-MEN-teh/

A person with a surprised, wide-eyed expression, with a bright exclamation point above their head to show emphasis or a sudden realization.

The exclamation mark shows surprise or emphasis. `Realmente` works the same way, adding strength to what you're saying, like 'I REALLY mean this!'

realmente (Adverb)

really?Used for emphasis,actually?Stating a fact

📝 In Action

¿Realmente crees que es una buena idea?

Do you really think that's a good idea?

No estoy seguro, pero realmente parece que va a llover.

I'm not sure, but it really looks like it's going to rain.

Ella realmente no quiere ir a la fiesta.

She actually doesn't want to go to the party.

Word Connections

Synonyms

de verdad (really, truly)
en verdad (in truth)

Common Collocations

realmente creo que... – I really think that...
no es realmente así – it's not really like that
¿realmente funciona? – does it really work?

💡 Grammar Points

Where to Put 'Realmente'

You have options! You can place realmente before the verb (Realmente quiero...), at the start of the sentence for emphasis (Realmente, no sé.), or sometimes at the end.

❌ Common Pitfalls

A Classic Mix-Up: `Realmente` vs. `Actualmente`

Mistake: "`Actualmente` estoy cansado."

Correction: `Realmente` estoy cansado. `Actualmente` looks like 'actually', but it means 'currently' or 'nowadays'. Use `realmente` when you mean 'really' or 'actually'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Your Go-To Word for Emphasis

Think of realmente as a way to underline a word in your sentence. It adds a layer of confirmation or intensity to what you're saying.

A split-panel image. On the left, a plain, closed wooden door. On the right, the door is open, revealing a beautiful, sunny garden inside.

`Realmente` can be like opening a door to show the surprising truth behind a simple appearance.

realmente (Adverb)

in fact?Introducing a contrast or correction,truly?Expressing sincerity,genuinely?Expressing sincerity

📝 In Action

Parece tímido, pero realmente es muy divertido.

He seems shy, but in fact, he's very fun.

Pensé que la película sería aburrida, pero realmente me encantó.

I thought the movie would be boring, but I actually loved it.

Realmente lo siento, no fue mi intención lastimarte.

I'm truly sorry, it wasn't my intention to hurt you.

Word Connections

Synonyms

en realidad (in reality, actually)
de hecho (in fact)

Common Collocations

pero realmente... – but actually...
realmente lo siento – I'm really/truly sorry
realmente no es para tanto – it's really not that big of a deal

💡 Grammar Points

Connecting Contrasting Ideas

Realmente is perfect for setting up a contrast. It often appears after pero (but) to reveal the true situation: 'It seems X, but realmente it's Y.'

⭐ Usage Tips

Add Sincerity

When you apologize, adding realmente makes it sound more heartfelt. Realmente lo siento is stronger and more genuine than just Lo siento.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: realmente

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses a word to mean 'nowadays'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

real(real, actual; royal) - adjective

realidad(reality) - noun

realizar(to carry out, to fulfill) - verb

realismo(realism) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between `realmente` and `de verdad`?

They are very similar and often interchangeable when you mean 'really' or 'truly'. `De verdad` can sometimes feel a bit more conversational or emotional, like asking, 'For real?'. `Realmente` is a safe choice in almost any situation, both formal and informal.