其实

qí shí

HSK 2.0 Level 3 HSK 3.0 Level 3 Adverb Very common

Definitions

1. actually; in fact; really

Word relationships

Related words

1 item

原来

yuán lái

original

原来 indicates a sudden realization, while 其实 states a fact that may contrast with expectations.

Synonyms

1 item

实际上

shí jì shàng

in fact

Both mean 'actually; in fact', but 实际上 is more formal.

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Learners often place 其实 incorrectly at the end of a sentence; it should come before the verb phrase or at the start.

Formality

其实 is neutral and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, unlike some synonyms that carry formality.

Grammar

Guides that feature 其实

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1 guide

HSK 2.0 Level 3+ HSK 3.0 Level 3+ 6 min

Discourse Connectors

Move beyond single sentences with actually, in addition, and for example.

Reading: qí shí Open guide

Example Sentences

5 shown

其实，我不喜欢那个电影。

Actually, I don't like that movie.

他表面热情，其实很虚伪。

He appears warm on the surface, but is actually very hypocritical.

这个问题看似简单，其实很难。

This problem looks simple, but actually it's very difficult.

她看起来很坚强，其实内心很脆弱。

She looks very strong, but in fact she is fragile inside.

他自称是专家，但其实什么都不懂。

He claims to be an expert, but in fact he doesn't understand anything.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 其实

名副其实

míng fù qí shí

not just in name only, but also in reality (idiom)

言符其实

yán fú qí shí

(of one's words) to be in accord with reality (idiom)

言过其实

yán guò qí shí

to exaggerate

Child Words of 其实

his

real