eigentlich vs wirklich
German word comparison
Listen to eigentlich
Listen to wirklich
| eigentlich | wirklich |
|---|---|
EI-gen-lich adverb | VEERK-likh adverb |
| actually; in fact; really | really; truly; actually |
How they differ
"Wirklich" often emphasizes the reality or intensity of something, and it can also sound emotional or emphatic. "Eigentlich" is less about emphasis and more about the underlying truth, intention, or a contrast between appearance and reality.
When to use each
When to use eigentlich: Use "eigentlich" when you mean "actually" in the sense of the real situation, original intention, or a hidden contrast.
When to use wirklich: Use "wirklich" when you want to stress that something is genuinely the case or to intensify a statement or question.
Side-by-side examples
- Eigentlich ist er schon weg.
(Actually, he has already left.) - Er ist wirklich schon weg.
(He really has already left.)
Register & nuance: "Wirklich" is neutral and very common in everyday spoken German.