difference between 実際 and 実態


What's the difference between 実際 and 実態? apparently these are two different
words, but looking at the entry for
[実態](http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/leaf/jn2/98572/m0u/%E5%AE%9F%E6%85%8B/) and
[実際](http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/leaf/jn2/98394/m0u/%E5%AE%9F%E9%9A%9B/) i
can't understand the difference.

> 実態: 実際の状態, 本当のありさま

isn't it the same as

> 実際: 物事のあるがままの状態

?

What is the difference between these two words and it's usage and nuances?




Firstly, for the overlapping meaning of "real situation", 「[実態]{じったい}」 is used
**_far more often_** than 「[実際]{じっさい}」. Importantly, this is just about the
only meaning 「実態」 is used for.

e.g. 「ショービジネスの実態」、「[山口組]{やまぐちぐみ}の実態」, etc. (山口組 is the largest yakuza
organization.)

Very few people would use 「実際」 to say those in reality.

Secondly, 「実際」 has another meaning that 「実態」 does not, which is "actual
practice (as opposed to theory)".

e.g. 「[銀行業務]{ぎんこうぎょうむ}の実際を[学]{まな}ぶ」(to study the actual practice of bank
business)

You cannot use 「実態」 to say the above for the same meaning. If you do, the
meaning of the phrase will change to "to study the real situation of bank
business". It sounds like you are still studying with books.

Lastly, while 「実態」 is generally used only as a noun, 「実際」 is frequently used
adjectivally and adverbially by adding 「の」 and 「に」, respectively.

e.g. 「実際 **に** 見てきなさい。」(Go see it in real life!) 「これが実際 **の**
[手紙]{てがみ}です。」(This is the actual letter.)




Firstly, for the overlapping meaning of "real situation", 「[実態]{じったい}」 is used
**_far more often_** than 「[実際]{じっさい}」. Importantly, this is just about the
only meaning 「実態」 is used for.

e.g. 「ショービジネスの実態」、「[山口組]{やまぐちぐみ}の実態」, etc. (山口組 is the largest yakuza
organization.)

Very few people would use 「実際」 to say those in reality.

Secondly, 「実際」 has another meaning that 「実態」 does not, which is "actual
practice (as opposed to theory)".

e.g. 「[銀行業務]{ぎんこうぎょうむ}の実際を[学]{まな}ぶ」(to study the actual practice of bank
business)

You cannot use 「実態」 to say the above for the same meaning. If you do, the
meaning of the phrase will change to "to study the real situation of bank
business". It sounds like you are still studying with books.

Lastly, while 「実態」 is generally used only as a noun, 「実際」 is frequently used
adjectivally and adverbially by adding 「の」 and 「に」, respectively.

e.g. 「実際 **に** 見てきなさい。」(Go see it in real life!) 「これが実際 **の**
[手紙]{てがみ}です。」(This is the actual letter.)

