English–Korean
“actually” in Korean
How to say “actually” in Korean
“Actually” in Korean is 실은 (sireun).
A small conversational turn that brings the real situation into focus.
Example sentences with 실은
실은 말인데, 다음 주에 시간이 있어?si reun ma rin de ta eum chu e si ga ni i sseo
Actually, do you have time next week?
Tips for using 실은
- English speakers may hear it as a strong contradiction, but its tone is often tactful rather than confrontational.
Other Korean words for “actually”
실은 말하기 어려워요.si reun mal ha gi eo ryeo wo yo
Actually, it's hard to say.
계획과 달리 막상 해보니 어렵다.kye hoek kkwa tal li mak ssang hae bo ni eo ryeop tta
Contrary to the plan, it was difficult when I actually tried it.
다들 괜찮다고 했지만, 정작 그는 피곤했어요.ta deul kwaen chan ta go haet jji man cheong jak keu neun pi gon hae sseo yo
Everyone said they were fine, but he was actually tired.
그것은 실제로 더 쉬웠어요.keu geo seun sil je ro teo swi wo sseo yo
It was actually easier.