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

Synonyms

1 item

• 实际上 shí jì shàng 实际上 shí jì shàng in fact Both mean 'actually; in fact', but 实际上 is more formal.: in fact

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.

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 名副其实 míng fù qí shí: not just in name only, but also in reality (idiom)
• 言符其实 言符其实 yán fú qí shí: (of one's words) to be in accord with reality (idiom)
• 言过其实 言过其实 yán guò qí shí: to exaggerate

Child Words of 其实

• 其 其 qí: his
• 实 实 shí: real