Igazából

Igazából is a Hungarian adverb meaning actually, in fact, or to tell the truth. It is derived from the adjective igaz (true) with the adverbial suffix -ból, producing a word used to introduce a clarification, correction, or a more precise statement. In everyday language, igazából can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence and is common in informal speech as well as written text.

Usage and function: As a sentence adverb, igazából often softens or reframes a claim, similar to English phrases like “to be honest” or “the truth is.” It can mark a contrast or a more nuanced stance than a straightforward assertion. Examples include: “Igazából nem értem a dolgot,” meaning “Actually, I don’t understand the thing,” or “Igazából ezt nem terveztük,” meaning “The truth is, we didn’t plan this.”

Grammatical notes: Igazából is not a verb and does not take verb conjugation. It serves to shift or refine the information in a sentence and is widely used in both spoken and written Hungarian. While it is common in informal contexts, it is not inappropriate in many kinds of writing.

Cultural reference: The phrase is familiar to Hungarian speakers and appears in popular culture. In Hungarian cinema, the title of the localized version of the film Love Actually is Igazából szerelem, where igazából contributes to the sense of candor about romance.

Etymology: The word combines igaz (true) with the suffix -ból to form an adverb meaning “in truth” or “in fact.”