实为 (shí wéi) — to actually be; in fact is (formal/literary)

Definition

Formal/literary linking phrase meaning 'in fact is' or 'turns out to be', often used to introduce a surprising or emphatic judgment about something previously discussed. Pairs with 真是 (truly is) but is more written and conclusive.

verb
to actually bein fact is (formal/literary)
Easily confused

Examples

  • 实为。
    Zhè zhǒng zuò fǎ shí wéi bù míng zhì.
    This kind of practice is actually not wise.
  • 实为。
    Tā de chéng gōng shí wéi bú yì.
    His success is in fact not easy.
  • 实为。
    Zhè ge jié lùn shí wéi zhèng què.
    This conclusion is actually correct.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

实shíactually
为wèibe

实 (actually) + 为 (be), meaning in fact is, in formal style.

Characters in this word

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.

Open 实 →

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

This origin belongs to the traditional form 為; 为 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 為 showed a hand holding an elephant; the simplified 为 is a later shorthand.

Open 为 →

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