How to say "actual" in Japanese

• 実物じつぶつJLPT N2approx.Common
  no-adjectiveCovers 'actual' in the sense of the real thing itself rather than a representation of it, as when comparing a photograph with the actual item. It is a noun referring to a concrete object, not a general adjective for 'actual'.
  あの彼かれの写真しゃしんは実物じつぶつより悪わるく撮とれている。↗

  That picture does not do justice to him.
• 実勢じっせいCommon
  no-adjectiveCovers 'actual' in the sense of the true state of affairs, especially conditions as they really are rather than as officially stated or nominally claimed. It is a noun for a situation's real condition, not for physical objects.

Use 実物 for an actual physical thing itself, as opposed to a picture, copy, or description of it, and 実勢 for the actual state or true condition of a situation as opposed to how it appears on the surface.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 実物じつぶつreal thing
• 実勢じっせいactual
• アクチュアルactual
• 実際にあったじっさいにあったreal
• 実質上じっしつじょうpractical