Actual
adjective
Translations
Arabic: فعلي
Chinese (Mandarin): 实际的 (shíjì de)
French: réel
German: tatsächlich
Hindi: वास्तविक (vastavik)
Japanese: 実際の (jissai no)
Korean: 실제의 (silje-ui)
Polish: rzeczywisty
Portuguese: real
Russian: фактический (fakticheskiy)
Spanish: real
Thai: ที่แท้จริง (thîe thâe jing)
Turkish: gerçek
Vietnamese: thực tế
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Definition/s
- Existing in fact or reality, as opposed to being merely potential, theoretical, or possible.
- True or real; not false or apparent.
- Existing or occurring at the present time.
Examples
- The actual reason for her absence was never revealed.
- This painting is an actual masterpiece, not a reproduction.
- I expected a movie set, but it was an actual castle.
Actually
adverb
Translations
Arabic: في الواقع
Chinese (Mandarin): 实际上 (shíjì shàng)
French: en fait
German: tatsächlich
Hindi: वास्तव में (vastav mein)
Japanese: 実際に (jissai ni)
Korean: 실제로 (silje-ro)
Polish: faktycznie
Portuguese: na verdade
Russian: фактически (fakticheski)
Spanish: en realidad
Thai: จริง ๆ แล้ว (jing jing láew)
Turkish: aslında
Vietnamese: thực sự
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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, translations could be misleading. Check with your teacher if you are unsure.
Don't see your language? Try Google Translate
Don't see your language? Try Google Translate
Definition/s
- As a matter of fact; really.
- Used to emphasise that something is true, especially when it is surprising or contrasts with a previous statement or belief.
- At the present moment; currently.
Examples
- I actually forgot to bring my wallet.
- He actually enjoys classical music, even though he says he doesn’t.
- She looks confident, but she’s actually quite nervous.
What are Openers?
- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
1. Open Questions
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
2. Stories
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
3. Opinions
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
What are Openers?
- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
1. Open Questions
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
2. Stories
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
3. Opinions
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
The Skinny
You’ve been asked to brief a senior executive (the “boss”) on a key issue from a recent business news event. This person is busy and relies on you to give them insight, not headlines.
You have 60–90 seconds to deliver a concise, high-value update tailored to their concerns and communication preferences.
1. Read the boss profile carefully.
- Who are they?
- What do they care about?
- What do they not want to hear?
2. Stick to their focus.
- What part of the story matters most to them?
- Don’t explain everything—prioritise.
3. Use business English.
- Be clear, precise, and professional.
- Avoid informal or emotional language.
Two Papal Styles: Clerical vs. Pastoral
Not all popes lead the same way. Some focus more on rules and tradition, while others focus on care and connection. These two styles are often called clerical and pastoral.
Understanding the difference can help us see why Pope Francis felt so different from past leaders—and why some people loved his style while others disagreed with it.
Understanding the difference can help us see why Pope Francis felt so different from past leaders—and why some people loved his style while others disagreed with it.
🟣 Clerical Style
- Focuses on rules, tradition, and Church authority
- Speaks with clear, firm direction
- Keeps strong boundaries between Church leaders and members.
Example: A clerical pope might defend strict Church teachings on family or sacraments.
🟢 Pastoral Style
- Focuses on compassion, listening, and inclusion
- Tries to meet people where they are.
- Emphasises mercy over judgment.
Example: A pastoral pope might welcome divorced people or support migrants and the poor.
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