American English
/ˈæk.ʃə.li/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
used to show that what follows is true, especially when it is different from what people expect
“Actually” is often pronounced “AC-chu-uh-lee” (/ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/) or “ACK-shuh-lee” (/ˈæk.ʃə.li/). In natural speech, you may also hear “ACK-chuh-wuh-lee” (/ˈæk.tʃə.wə.li/) or the quicker “ACK-shlee” (/ˈæk.ʃli/).
used to show that what follows is true, especially when it is different from what people expect
She actually knows the answer.
The trip was actually quite easy.
Actually usually means “in fact,” not “currently.” Use currently for “at the present time.”
actually happen · actually work · actually know
subject + actually + verb
subject + be + actually + adjective
used at the beginning of a reply to correct information or disagree in a gentle way
“Is Maria from Brazil?” “Actually, she’s from Chile.”
Actually, I’d rather stay home.
Actually, + subject + verb