Meanings of 實
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 實
Podcast: 實
Podcast: 實
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 實
真实 (zhēnshí) vs 实际 (shíjì) — use 真实 when emphasizing the truth or authenticity of something, while 实际 focuses more on the practicality or reality of a situation.
Learners often confuse 實 with 事 (shì), which means 'matter' or 'thing'. Use 實 in contexts where authenticity is highlighted, such as 實話 (shíhuà) meaning 'honest words'. Be cautious with the tone; the second tone can change the meaning significantly.
Although 實 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it relates to many foundational concepts at HSK level 4 and above, such as 實際 (shíjì, 'actual') and 實用 (shíyòng, 'practical'). Focus on recognizing its use in various collocations and phrases to strengthen your vocabulary.
Learners may incorrectly use 實 when they mean 'to happen' (发生, fāshēng), leading to confusion. Instead, remember to use 實 specifically for contexts of truthfulness and reality.
Pronunciation of 實
Drill the tone of 實 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 實
Simplified form of 實. 貫 is a pictograph of a string of money. Based on the original meaning "thrive; plentiful". The meaning later shifted to "real", "true", and "fruit".
pierce
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 實
Simplified form of 實. 貫 is a pictograph of a string of money. Based on the original meaning "thrive; plentiful". The meaning later shifted to "real", "true", and "fruit".
- 1The meaning half貫 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half宀 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaypierce
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 實? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 實?
Decomposition of 實
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 實?
How to say real, true; honest, sincere in Chinese
“real, true; honest, sincere” in Chinese is實
The character 實 (shí) conveys the idea of something being real, true, or genuine. It is commonly used in contexts that emphasize authenticity, honesty, and sincerity, such as describing feelings, qualities, or experiences. Additionally, it can imply a sense of practicality and reliability in various situations.
When to use 實
Learners often confuse 實 with 事 (shì), which means 'matter' or 'thing'. Use 實 in contexts where authenticity is highlighted, such as 實話 (shíhuà) meaning 'honest words'. Be cautious with the tone; the second tone can change the meaning significantly.
實 or something close to it
真实 (zhēnshí) vs 实际 (shíjì) — use 真实 when emphasizing the truth or authenticity of something, while 实际 focuses more on the practicality or reality of a situation.
What learners get wrong
Learners may incorrectly use 實 when they mean 'to happen' (发生, fāshēng), leading to confusion. Instead, remember to use 實 specifically for contexts of truthfulness and reality.
Write 實
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 實 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 實
Compound Meaning
What does 其实 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 實
You can say 實話實說 (shíhuà shíshuō), which means 'to speak honestly'.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 實?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.