Meaning
实在 has two main uses: as an adverb meaning 'really' or 'truly' to emphasize something, and as an adjective describing someone or something as honest, sincere, or substantial. When used adverbially, it intensifies the statement being made. As an adjective, it describes people as down-to-earth and trustworthy, or things as solid and genuine.
Usage
When used as an adverb, 实在 typically appears before adjectives or verbs to add emphasis, similar to '真' but stronger and more colloquial. When describing people, calling someone 实在 is a compliment meaning they're reliable and straightforward. It's common in everyday speech and has a warm, approving tone when used positively.
Examples
- 01这道菜实在太好吃了！!This dish is really so delicious!
- 02他是个很实在的人，从来不骗人。, .He's a very honest person and never deceives people.
Characters
Common collocations
- 实在太......really too... (emphasizing degree)
- 实在人honest/reliable person
- 实在话honest words, the truth
- 实在不行if it really doesn't work
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 实 (real/solid) and 在 (to exist), literally meaning 'truly existing' or 'genuinely present,' which evolved to mean both 'really/truly' and 'honest/reliable.'