Korean phrase
실은 ~ 아니라 ~이에요. si reun ~ a ni ra ~ i e yo
Meaning
Actually, I'm not ___, but ___
When to use it
It says that one description is wrong and another is correct. It politely and gently clarifies a fact after a question or guess.
Example dialogue
대학생이야? tae hak ssaeng i ya
Are you a college student?
실은 학생이 아니라 회사원이에요. si reun hak ssaeng i a ni ra hoe sa wo ni e yo
Actually, I'm not a student but an office worker.