实在 shízài honest
honest; in reality; honestly; indeed; certainly
How to remember 实在: 实 real + 在 at = honest.
Characters
How it is used
- Adverb 'really / truly / honestly' to stress a genuine state - 实在太累了 (shízài tài lèi le) I'm honestly exhausted; 实在对不起 (shízài duìbuqǐ) I'm truly sorry.
- Also an adjective 'honest/down-to-earth/solid': 这人很实在 (zhè rén hěn shízài) he's a genuine, dependable person.
- The adverb use often introduces a reluctant admission or heartfelt emphasis, stronger and more sincere than a plain 很.
Example sentences
- 这实在不合适。 Zhè shízài bù héshì.It is highly improper.
- 这件事我实在不懂。 Zhèjiàn shì wǒ shízài bù dǒng.I simply don't understand this.
- 对不起，实在爱莫能助！ Duìbuqǐ, shízài àimònéngzhùI’m sorry, I’d love to help but my hands are tied.