adverb HSK 4
Traditional 其實
actually · in fact · as a matter of fact
Meaning
其实 is used to introduce the true situation or reality, often contrasting with what was previously thought or stated. It emphasizes that what follows is the actual truth, correcting a misunderstanding or revealing something not immediately obvious.
Usage
Native speakers frequently use 其实 at the beginning of a sentence or clause to gently correct or clarify. It softens disagreement and is common in both spoken and written Chinese. Often appears when someone wants to reveal their true feelings or the real state of affairs.
Examples
- 01他看起来很凶，其实人很好。, .He looks fierce, but actually he's a very nice person.
- 02其实我早就想告诉你了。.Actually, I've been wanting to tell you for a long time.
Characters
Common collocations
- 其实...而已...actually it's just...
- 其实我觉得actually I think
- 其实不然actually it's not so
Antonyms
Origin
Literally combines 其 (that, its) and 实 (reality, truth) to mean 'the actual reality' or 'its truth'. The compound has been used in Classical Chinese and carries over into modern usage.