Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In fact, actually, in reality: "thực ra" is used to introduce a statement that corrects a previous idea, reveals the truth, or provides a more accurate or surprising piece of information. It often precedes a contrast or clarification.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Anh ấy trông có vẻ nghiêm khắc, nhưng thực ra anh ấy rất tốt bụng. (He looks strict, but in fact, he is very kind.)
  • Tôi nói là tôi bận, nhưng thực ra tôi chỉ không muốn đi. (I said I was busy, but actually, I just didn't want to go.)
  • Thực ra, tôi đã biết tin đó từ hôm qua. (Actually, I knew that news since yesterday.)

Advanced Usage

• "Thực ra thì...": Actually, the thing is... (Used to gently introduce a correction or a contrasting viewpoint).

  • A: Cậu thích món này đúng không? B: Thực ra thì tớ không thích lắm. (A: You like this dish, right? B: Actually, I don't like it that much.)

• Used to soften a statement or opinion: "Thực ra" can make a correction or contradictory opinion sound less blunt.

  • Ý kiến của anh rất hay. Thực ra, tôi chỉ muốn bổ sung một chút. (Your idea is very good. Actually, I just want to add a little bit.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thật ra (adv): A very common synonym with identical meaning and usage (in fact, actually).

  • Thật ra tôi cũng chưa quyết định. (In fact, I haven't decided yet.)

• Thực tế (n/adj): Reality; realistic. (Note: This is a related noun/adjective meaning "reality" or "practical," not an adverb like "thực ra").

  • Chúng ta cần nhìn vào thực tế. (We need to look at reality.)

Synonyms

• Trên thực tế: In practice, in reality.
• Nói thật là: To tell the truth.
• Thực chất là: Essentially, in essence.

Related Phrases

• Thực ra mà nói: To be honest; frankly speaking.
  • Thực ra mà nói, dự án này khá rủi ro. (To be honest, this project is quite risky.)

Related Idioms

(Note: "Thực ra" itself is not typically part of fixed idioms, but it is frequently used in conversational patterns to express contrast or truth.)

adv

1. in fact, actually