实际上

shí jì shàng

HSK 3.0 Level 4 Adverb Very common

Definitions

1. in fact
2. in reality
3. as a matter of fact
4. in practice

Word relationships

Related words

2 items

• 现实 xiàn shí 现实 xiàn shí reality Noun meaning 'reality', contrasting with 实际上 which is an adverb.: reality
• 实际 shí jì 实际 shí jì reality Adjective/noun meaning 'actual/reality', often used attributively, e.g., 实际情况.: reality

Synonyms

2 items

• 其实 qí shí 其实 qí shí actually; in fact; really Introducing a statement that contrasts with previous expectation, e.g., 我以为他不来，其实他来了。: actually; in fact; really
• 事实上 shì shí shàng 事实上 shì shí shàng in fact Emphasizing factual truth, often formal, e.g., 事实上，他是对的。: in fact

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Do not confuse 实际上 (in fact) with 实际 (actual/actually as adjective/noun). 实际上 is an adverb that can begin a clause, while 实际 modifies nouns or acts as a predicate.

Formality

实际上 is neutral in register, suitable for both spoken and written contexts. Its synonym 事实上 is slightly more formal.

Example Sentences

1 shown

实际上 ，他并没有来。

In fact, he did not come.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 实际上

• 实际 实际 shí jì: reality
• 实 实 shí: real
• 际 际 jì: border
• 上 上 shàng: on top