実は

• 読み: じつは
• ローマ字: jitsuwa
• 漢字の分解: 実 (jitsu/mi) — truth, reality, fruit
• 発音: /d͡ʑi.t͡sɯ.wa/

意味

Actually; in fact; to tell the truth. Used to introduce unexpected or previously withheld information.

A sentence-initial adverbial expression combining 実 (truth/reality) with the topic particle は. Functions as a discourse marker signalling that the speaker is about to reveal something surprising or confessional. One of the most common conversation openers in Japanese.

例文

1. 実は明日から旅行に行くんです。
2. 実は私も同じことを考えていた。
3. 彼は元気そうに見えるが、実は疲れている。

使い方ガイド

場面: conversation, confession, storytelling

トーン: confiding

起源と歴史

Compound of 実 (jitsu, truth/reality) and the topic particle は. The kanji 実 depicts a house filled with valuables, representing substance and truth. The expression has been a staple of Japanese discourse since the Edo period.

文化的背景

時代: Edo

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal