How to pronounce actually
Say it like AK-choo-uh-lee. Actually has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce actually. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AK
- choo
- uh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Actually pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- chooGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of actually
- American English uses 4 syllables and British English 3.
British respelling: AK-choor-lee.
What does actually mean?
- in actual fact“to be nominally but not actually independent”“no one actually saw the shark”
- used to imply that one would expect the fact to be the opposite of that stated; surprisingly“you may actually be doing the right thing by walking out”“she actually spoke Latin”
- at the present moment“the transmission screen shows the picture that is actually on the air”
Where does actually come from?
From Middle English actually, actuelly, equivalent to actual + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying actually
How do you pronounce actually?
Say AK-choo-uh-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈækˌtʃuəli/. In British English it is /ˈæktʃʊəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in actually?
Actually has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AK). Broken into parts: AK · choo · uh · lee.
Is actually pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 4 syllables and British English 3. The British form is /ˈæktʃʊəli/ (AK-choor-lee).