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March 24, 2026
其实(其實)qíshí(qi2shi2)
其实 (qí shí) translates to 'actually' or 'in fact' in English. It is often used to clarify a point or introduce a different perspective that contrasts with what was previously said. This word is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to express truth or reality, often revealing surprises or deeper insights.
Frequency#476DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese communication, clarity and honesty are highly valued, and using 其实 can help navigate social nuances. It often serves to soften a contradiction, making conversations more harmonious and revealing underlying truths in a respectful manner.
Memory Tip
Think of 其实 as 'Qi' (the energy) and 'Shi' (to be). Imagine a conversation where someone reveals the 'real energy' behind a situation, surprising everyone. The characters can also be visualized: 其 suggests 'its' as in 'its true nature', while 实 relates to 'reality', emphasizing the underlying truth.
Meanings of 其实
qíshí(qi2shi2)
1actually
2in fact
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 其实
其实Simplified
其實Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#476Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 其实
Podcast: 其实
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AI Study Notes for 其实
Quick Contrast
实际上 (shíjì shang) is used to emphasize the reality of a situation, while 其实 (qíshí) implies a contrast or correction to a previous assumption.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 其实 as 'Qi' (the energy) and 'Shi' (to be). Imagine a conversation where someone reveals the 'real energy' behind a situation, surprising everyone. The characters can also be visualized: 其 suggests 'its' as in 'its true nature', while 实 relates to 'reality', emphasizing the underlying truth.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 其实 with other similar expressions like 真的 (zhēn de) which means 'really' in a more emphatic sense. 其实 is more about revealing a fact rather than expressing surprise. It is generally informal but can be used in formal contexts as well.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 其实 connects well with other words that express opinions or contrasting ideas, such as 但是 (dàn shì) meaning 'but'. Focus on using it to clarify your thoughts in discussions to enhance your conversational skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese communication, clarity and honesty are highly valued, and using 其实 can help navigate social nuances. It often serves to soften a contradiction, making conversations more harmonious and revealing underlying truths in a respectful manner.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 其实 by placing it in contexts where it doesn't fit, such as using it in overly formal situations. For example, saying '其实这是一个问题' (Actually, this is a question) in a formal meeting may sound awkward; instead, use it in more casual discussions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 其实
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Grammar Patterns of 其实
其实 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
I'll go home and pay an overdue visit to my mother.
5
那儿有张便条，噢，其实不算是便条。
nà ér yǒu zhāng biàn tiáo， ，， ō ， qí shí bù suàn shì。
There was a note. Well, not really a note.
6
来自德国汉堡的霍斯特是个名副其实的怪人。
lái zì dé guó hàn bǎo de huò sī tè shì gè míng fù qí shí de guài rén。
Horst, a German from Hamburg, was a true original.
7
我拿文科硕士学位其实就是觉得好玩儿。
wǒ ná wén kē shuò shì xué wèi qí shí jiù shì jué dé hǎo wán ér。
I took my M. A. just for fun really.
8
相对于他给人的印象，他其实更有生意头脑。
xiāng duì yú tā gěi rén de yìn xiàng， ， tā qí shí gēng yǒu shēng yì tóu。
He's more business-minded than he makes himself out to be.
9
那其实是唬人的话。
nà qí shí shì hǔ rén de huà。
It was more of an idle threat than anything.
10
我其实认为那很不公平。
wǒ qí shí rèn wéi nà hěn bù gōng píng。
I don't think that's very fair really.
Cultural Notes for 其实
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese communication, clarity and honesty are highly valued, and using 其实 can help navigate social nuances. It often serves to soften a contradiction, making conversations more harmonious and revealing underlying truths in a respectful manner.
Frequently Asked Questions about 其实
Yes, starting a sentence with 其实 is common for introducing a contrasting idea.
It is frequently used in both spoken and written contexts, but it may appear more in informal conversations.
While you can, it's better used to clarify or provide additional information rather than to provoke disagreement.
