This is the 4676th most frequent Dutch word.
eigenljik
"Actually," "really," or "in fact."
Here, 'eigenlijk' is used to suggest an optimal course of action or what should be done ideally.
We zouden eigenlijk eerder moeten vertrekken om op tijd te zijn.
We should actually leave earlier in order to be on time.
In this sentence, 'eigenlijk' clarifies or modifies what the speaker truly intended to communicate.
Wat ik eigenlijk wilde zeggen was dat ik niet kan komen morgen.
What I actually wanted to say was that I cannot come tomorrow.
In this sentence, 'eigenlijk' functions as a remark indicating a revelation or surprise about the speaker's personal preference.