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realmente

rreh-ahl-MEN-tehre'al'mente

“realmente” means “really” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

really, actually

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

📝 In Action

¿Realmente crees que es una buena idea?

A2

Do you really think that's a good idea?

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

B1

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

Ella realmente no quiere ir a la fiesta.

B1

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?

in fact, truly, genuinely

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.

📝 In Action

Parece tímido, pero realmente es muy divertido.

B1

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

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

B1

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

Realmente lo siento, no fue mi intención lastimarte.

B1

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

🔀 Commonly Confused With

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "realmente" in Spanish:

actually→genuinely→in fact→really→truly→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: realmente

Question 1 of 1

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

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

`Realmente` is formed by adding the suffix `-mente` to the feminine form of the adjective `real`. `Real` comes from the Latin word `reālis`, meaning 'relating to the thing itself'. The `-mente` suffix in Spanish comes from the Latin word `mens` (mind), and was used to mean 'in a ... manner'. So, `realmente` literally means 'in a real manner' or 'with a real mind'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: realmenteItalian: realmenteFrench: réellement

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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.