Many Japanese learners translate 実は as actually —
but in English, actually works very differently.

Used the wrong way, it can sound strange, cold, or even rude.

How 実は is usually used

実は、来週引っ越します。
実は、それは知りませんでした。

👉 実は =
「ちょっと意外なことを言います」
「本当のことを言うと」

How actually is used in English

In English, actually often means:

• contrary to what you think
• correcting something
• pushing back gently (or not so gently)

Examples:

Actually, that’s not correct.
Actually, I don’t agree.
Actually, I’ve already finished it.

⚠️ This can sound firm or defensive, depending on context.

Common mistake (very common)

❌ Actually, I like sushi.
❌ Actually, I live in Osaka.

To an English listener, this sounds like:

“You think the opposite — and you’re wrong.”

But that’s usually not what the speaker means.

What to say instead

If you mean 実は in a neutral or friendly way, try:

• I actually like sushi.
  （actually inside the sentence is softer）
• To be honest, I like sushi.
• In fact, I like sushi.
• Well, I live in Osaka.

These sound natural and relaxed.

Key point

実は = introducing information
actually = correcting or pushing back

They sometimes overlap — but they are not interchangeable.