en fait

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en
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Translating...
in fact, actually, as a matter of fact
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العربية الفصحى
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/ɑ̃ fɛt/
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A correction or clarification that replaces an appearance or assumption with what is really true.
Practice using en fait in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Je pensais qu'il était parti, mais en fait il travaillait dans la pièce d'à côté.
    I thought he had left, but in fact he was working in the next room.
  • Il devait venir lundi. En fait, il arrivera mardi matin.
    He was supposed to come on Monday. Actually, he will arrive on Tuesday morning.
  • Elle paraît sévère, mais en fait elle est très gentille.
    She seems strict, but in fact she is very kind.
  • Nous n'avons en fait jamais reçu votre message.
    We have in fact never received your message.
  • En fait, le musée ferme à dix-huit heures, pas à dix-neuf heures.
    Actually, the museum closes at six, not seven.

Similar words

effectivement
au fond
réellement
à vrai dire
en réalité

Meanings

Correct or reveal the reality

conversation
neutral
Introduces what is actually true, often to correct an assumption, qualify an earlier statement, or contrast reality with appearances.

Examples

  • Je pensais qu'il était parti, mais en fait il travaillait dans la pièce d'à côté.
    I thought he had left, but in fact he was working in the next room.
  • En fait, le musée ferme à dix-huit heures, pas à dix-neuf heures.
    Actually, the museum closes at six, not seven.
  • Elle paraît sévère, mais en fait elle est très gentille.
    She seems strict, but in fact she is very kind.
  • Nous n'avons en fait jamais reçu votre message.
    We have in fact never received your message.
  • Il devait venir lundi. En fait, il arrivera mardi matin.
    He was supposed to come on Monday. Actually, he will arrive on Tuesday morning.

Similar words

en réalité
à vrai dire
au fond
réellement
effectivement

Etymology

A transparent locution formed from en and fait, literally linking the statement to fact or reality.

FAQ

What does en fait mean?

En fait means ‘in fact’ or ‘actually’ and introduces the reality behind an appearance, assumption, or earlier statement.

How is en fait used in French?

Use en fait to correct an idea, add a more accurate detail, or contrast what seemed true with what is really true.

What is the difference between en fait and en effet?

En fait often corrects or contrasts, while en effet usually confirms or explains what was just said.

Is en fait formal or informal?

En fait is neutral and common in both speech and writing, though frequent repetition can sound like a conversational filler.

How do you pronounce en fait?

The standard citation pronunciation of en fait is /ɑ̃ fɛt/, with the final t pronounced.

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