Definition
其实 (qí shí) introduces a fact that corrects a mistaken impression or expectation — it means 'actually, in fact' but with a sense of 'contrary to what you might think'. It differs from 实际上 (shí jì shàng, 'in reality'), which is more objective and formal; and from 确实 (què shí, 'indeed'), which simply emphasizes a truth rather than contradicting one.
adverb
actuallyin factreally
Easily confused
- 歧视qí shìsound-aliketo discriminate against
- 启示qǐ shìsound-alike(verb) to reveal, to enlighten, to inspire
- 气势qì shìsound-alikeimposing manner, grandeur, aura of power or vigor
- 启事qǐ shìsound-alikewritten notice, announcement
Examples
- ，其实。Wǒ yǐwéi tā bù lái le, qí shí tā zǎo jiù dào le.I thought he wasn't coming, but actually he arrived early.
- ，其实。Zhège wèntí kànqǐlái hěn nán, qí shí hěn jiǎndān.This problem looks difficult, but it's actually very simple.
- ，其实。Dàjiā dōu shuō hǎo, qí shí wǒ bú tài xǐhuan.Everyone says it's good, but actually I don't like it very much.
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