real / reel are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇
real: (noun) the basic unit of money in Brazil; equal to 100 centavos. (noun) an old small silver Spanish coin. (adjective) being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory; ; ; ; ; ; - Longfellow. (adjective) no less than what is stated; worthy of the name. (adjective) not to be taken lightly. (adjective) capable of being treated as fact. (adjective) of, relating to, or representing an amount that is corrected for inflation. (adjective) (of property) fixed or immovable.
reel: (noun) a roll of photographic film holding a series of frames to be projected by a movie projector. (noun) music composed for dancing a reel. (noun) winder consisting of a revolving spool with a handle; attached to a fishing rod. (noun) a lively dance of Scottish Highlanders; marked by circular moves and gliding steps. (verb) wind onto or off a reel.
real: r·IY·l
reel: r·IY·l
(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)