其实 qíshí as a matter of fact
as a matter of fact; actually; in fact
How to remember 其实: 其 this or that + 实 real = as a matter of fact.
Characters
How it is used
- Actually, in fact - gently corrects or reveals the real situation: 其实我不累 (qíshí wǒ bú lèi) actually I'm not tired.
- A discourse adverb signaling 'contrary to what you might think' - softens a correction or introduces the truth behind an appearance.
- Contrast 真的 (zhēn de, really/truly), which just affirms; 其实 sets up a contrast with a prior assumption.
Example sentences
- 你其实没必要带伞。 Nǐ qíshí méi bìyào dàisǎn.You needn't have taken an umbrella with you.
- 事实其实不是这样的。 Shìshí qíshí bú shì zhèyàng de.Actually, those aren't the facts.
- 这种说法其实有点可疑。 Zhèzhǒng shuōfǎ qíshí yǒudiǎn kěyí.This statement is actually kind of suspicious.