Atualmente vs. Actually: A False Friend That Can Change Your Meaning
The similar-looking words do different jobs: one locates something in time, while the other often clarifies or corrects an idea.
Real Life Portuguese · 4 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Atualmente usually tells when a situation is true: at present or these days. It answers a time question, rather than correcting what another person believes. Depending on context, hoje em dia (these days) or no momento (at the moment) may also fit.
Use atualmente to say “currently” or “nowadays”
Atualmente, moro em Brasília.
I currently live in Brasília.
Ela trabalha atualmente de casa.
She currently works from home.
Translate English “actually” by its function
If actually introduces a correction or a true detail, na verdade is a common option. De fato can mean “in fact” or “indeed” in more measured contexts. The best choice depends on the whole sentence, so learn the phrase as part of what you want to say.
Na verdade, eu já conheço esse lugar.
Actually, I already know this place.
Isso de fato acontece.
That does in fact happen.
Run a quick meaning check before choosing
Ask whether you mean “at this time” or “to clarify what is true.” If you mean “at this time,” atualmente may work. If you are correcting or refining an idea, try na verdade. This small check prevents a familiar English-looking word from steering the sentence in the wrong direction.
- Currently: Atualmente estudo à noite. — I currently study at night.
- Actually / to clarify: Na verdade, estudo de manhã. — Actually, I study in the morning.
Put it into practice
The I Speak Portuguese source flags this English–Portuguese false friend. This Real Life adaptation organizes the choice around the job the word performs in your sentence.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Actually, I already know this place”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
This guide is an original Real Life Portuguese adaptation of an earlier article from I Speak Portuguese.
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