An adverbial phrase meaning 'in fact' or 'in reality', used to state the real situation as opposed to appearances or expectations.
彼は堅そうに見えるが、実際はとても優しい人だ。
He looks strict, but in fact he is a very kind person.
実際はもっと時間がかかるだろう。
In reality, it will probably take more time.
宣伝では簡単そうに見えるが、実際は難しい作業だ。
In the ads it looks easy, but in reality it's a difficult task.
理論上は可能でも、実際はうまくいかないことがある。
Even if something is theoretically possible, in practice it may not work out.