实 (shí) — (used as a component in compounds) real, true, actual; (used as a component in compounds) solid, substantial

Definition

实 is rarely used alone — it appears mainly as a component in compounds like 实际, 实验, 实在, meaning 'real, solid, substantial' (vs. empty or theoretical).

bound form
(used as a component in compounds) realtrueactual(used as a component in compounds) solidsubstantial
Easily confused

Examples

  • 。
    Tā shuō de huà hěn shí zài.
    What he said is very true/honest.
  • 。
    Wǒ men yào cóng shí jì chū fā.
    We must start from practical reality.
  • 。
    Zhè ge shí yàn jié guǒ hěn zhòng yào.
    The result of this experiment is very important.

Origin

Compound ideograph
六书liùshū
会意huìyì

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 實; 实 is its simplified writing.

  • 宀宀miánroof
  • 周周zhōucarved jade
  • 貝貝bèishellfish; cowrie

The traditional form 實 has 宀 'roof' above 周 'carved jade' and 貝 'cowrie'; the simplified 实 is a later shorthand, so its parts are not the historical pieces.

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