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March 24, 2026
实在(實在)shízài(shi2zai4)
实在 (shí zài) conveys a sense of authenticity and truthfulness. It is commonly used to describe something that is real or genuine, contrasting with illusions or falsehoods. This term can also indicate reliability in character or behavior, suggesting that someone is dependable and honest.
Frequency#904DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 实在 is highly valued, particularly in interpersonal relationships and business dealings. It reflects the cultural emphasis on trustworthiness and integrity, which are essential for building strong connections.
Memory Tip
Think of '实' (shí) as a solid object, representing reality, and '在' (zài) as being present or existing. Together, imagine a sturdy rock (实) firmly planted in the ground (在), symbolizing something that is truly real and dependable.
Meanings of 实在
shízài(shi2zai4)
1really
2actually
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 实在
实在Simplified
實在Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#904Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 实在
Podcast: 实在
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AI Study Notes for 实在
Quick Contrast
非常 (fēicháng) — use 实在 to emphasize authenticity or truthfulness, while 非常 is used to indicate a high degree of something.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '实' (shí) as a solid object, representing reality, and '在' (zài) as being present or existing. Together, imagine a sturdy rock (实) firmly planted in the ground (在), symbolizing something that is truly real and dependable.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 实在 with similar-sounding words that imply a different nuance, such as 真的 (zhēn de), which means 'really' but in a more casual or less philosophical sense. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but ensure to use it appropriately to express sincerity or reliability.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 实在 connects with other terms related to truth and reality, such as 真的 (zhēn de) and 确实 (què shí). Focus on its application in describing people and situations where authenticity and dependability are highlighted.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 实在 is highly valued, particularly in interpersonal relationships and business dealings. It reflects the cultural emphasis on trustworthiness and integrity, which are essential for building strong connections.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 实在 in contexts where a more casual term like 真的 should be used, saying '我实在喜欢这个' instead of '我真的喜欢这个' (I really like this). Ensure to reserve 实在 for more serious or sincere expressions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 实在
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Grammar Patterns of 实在
实在 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 8 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.
In my view, this Chinese exam was really too difficult.
Example Sentences for 实在 (10)
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1
这一遭遇实在让他满腔愤慨。
zhè yī zāo yù shí zài ràng tā mǎn qiāng fèn kǎi。
He is truly outraged about what's happened to him.
2
这实在很离奇，我忍不住咯咯笑了起来。
zhè shí zài hěn lí qí， ， wǒ rěn bù zhù kǎ kǎ xiào le qǐ。
It was so unreal that I broke into a fit of giggles.
3
他俩居然结婚了——这让他非常惊讶，因为他们实在是太不一样了。
tā liǎng jū rán jié hūn le—— —— zhè ràng tā fēi cháng jīng， yà ， yīn wéi tā mén shí zài shì tài bù yī。
He was surprised they had married — they had seemed so different.
4
我最喜欢迈克尔·菲什。他滑稽逗趣，是个实实在在的人物。
wǒ zuì xǐ huān mài kè ěr· · fēi。 shí 。 tā huá jī， dòu qù ， shì gè shí shí zài zài。
Michael Fish is my favourite. He's a hoot, a real character.
5
在那儿工作挺不错。说实在的，蛮好玩儿的。
zài nà ér gōng zuò tǐng bù cuò。 。 shuō shí zài， de ， mán hǎo wán。
Working there's great. It's quite a good laugh actually.
6
她总是受到关注。但是说句实在话，吉莱纳喜欢被人关注。
tā zǒng shì shòu dào guān zhù。 。 dàn shì shuō jù shí zài， huà ， jí lái nà xǐ huān bèi rén。
She's always noticed. But then, to be honest, Ghislaine likes being noticed.
7
我总觉得实实在在的经历会对我有利的。
wǒ zǒng jué dé shí shí zài zài de jīng lì huì duì wǒ yǒu lì de。
I've always felt that solid experience would stand me in good stead.
8
说实在的，约翰不想韦罗妮卡参加他的婚礼。
shuō shí zài de， ， yuē hàn bù xiǎng wéi luó nī kǎ cān jiā tā de hūn。
Truth to tell, John did not want Veronica at his wedding.
9
顾客们知道我们的清仓大甩卖是实实在在的全场降价。
gù kè mén zhī dào wǒ mén de qīng cāng dà shuǎi mài shì shí shí zài zài de quán cháng jiàng jià。
Customers know that our stocktake sales offer genuine markdowns across the store.
10
说实在的，汤姆家房子的状况比我家的强。
shuō shí zài de， ， tāng mǔ jiā fáng zǐ de zhuàng kuàng bǐ wǒ jiā de。
Tom's house is actually in better nick than mine.
Cultural Notes for 实在
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, being 实在 is highly valued, particularly in interpersonal relationships and business dealings. It reflects the cultural emphasis on trustworthiness and integrity, which are essential for building strong connections.
Frequently Asked Questions about 实在
You might say, '他实在是个好人' (Tā shízài shì gè hǎo rén) meaning 'He is truly a good person.'
实在 is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts, but it may appear more frequently in informal conversations.
Yes, it can, but it carries a deeper connotation of authenticity compared to 真的 (zhēn de).
