Why Translating “Actually” Directly Causes Problems

Many Americans say:

❌ Attualmente penso che…

But they mean “Actually…”

Here’s the problem:

• Actually in English often means “in fact.”

• Attualmente in Italian means “currently.”

  
  

So when you say: Attualmente sono a casa.

It means: “I am currently at home.”

Not: “Actually, I’m at home.”

What to Say Instead

If you want to say “actually” as a correction, use:

• In realtà…

• A dire il vero…

  
  

For example:In realtà non mi piace.A dire il vero, preferisco il mare.

Grammar Hint

False friends are words that look similar in two languages but mean different things.

Some common ones:

• Attualmente ≠ Actually

• Libreria ≠ Library (it means bookstore)

• Camera ≠ Camera (it means room)

  
  

Being aware of false friends prevents misunderstandings.

If you want to learn how to avoid common translation traps, that’s something we focus on often in conversation practice.

👉 Book your Italian lesson and speak with clarity.