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其实

qí shí
HSK 2.0 Level 3 HSK 3.0 Level 3 Adverb Very common

Definitions

  1. 1. actually; in fact; really

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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

Jump into a full guide with fill-in-the-blank drills. Clicking will load the page and move you to the top.

5 guides
HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 7–9+ 5 min
别看...，... for “Don’t Be Fooled by …”

Use 别看……，…… to say that something looks one way on the surface, but the truth is different.

Reading: qí shí Open guide
HSK 2.0 Level 4+ HSK 3.0 Level 4+ 6 min
并不 and 并没有 for “Not Actually”

Put 并 before 不 or 没(有) to say that something is not true, even though people might think it is.

Reading: qí shí Open guide
HSK 2.0 Level 3+ HSK 3.0 Level 3+ 6 min
当然, 其实 and 终于 for “Of Course,” “Actually” and “Finally”

Use 当然 for something obvious, 其实 for the real truth behind how things look, and 终于 for something that finally happens after a wait.

Reading: qí shí Open guide
HSK 2.0 Level 4+ HSK 3.0 Level 3+ 6 min
看起来 and 看上去 for “It Looks …”

Say how someone or something looks, and what you guess from it, with 看起来 and 看上去.

Reading: qí shí Open 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

其
qí

his

实
shí

real