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How to Say ‘But actually’ in Japanese

でも実は

de mo jitsu wa

[deh moh jitsu wah]

💬 Usage Tip: 実は is read (jitsu wa). It warns that a small confession or correction is coming, so the listener is ready for it.

Phrase Breakdown

で

de

[deh]

but (part of でも)

First part of でも, a conjunction meaning 'but; however' at the start of a sentence.

Example

でも、行きたいです。

But I want to go.

も

mo

[moh]

but (part of でも)

Second part of でも, 'but; however'.

Example

でも、時間がない。

But there's no time.

実

jitsu

[jitsu]

in fact, actually

Used to reveal real facts or truth.

Example

実は今日、誕生日です。

Actually, today is my birthday.

は

wa

[wah]

topic marker

は marks the topic of the sentence.

Example

空席はありますか。

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