实则 (shí zé) — actually, in fact, in reality

Definition

A written conjunction-like adverb meaning 'in reality / actually', used to contrast with what was just stated or assumed (e.g. 表面…，实则…). More formal and literary than 其实.

adverb
actuallyin factin reality

Examples

  • ，实则。
    Biǎo miàn shàng kàn hěn jiǎn dān, shí zé bù rán.
    It looks simple on the surface, but in reality it's not.
  • ，实则。
    Tā zuǐ shàng shuō bú jiè yì, shí zé xīn lǐ hěn zài hu.
    He says he doesn't mind, but in fact he cares a lot.
  • ，实则。
    Zǐ xì yì chá, shí zé nà ge shù jù shì cuò de.
    Upon careful check, that data is actually wrong.

Origin

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 則; 则 is its simplified writing.

  • 鼎鼎dǐngding, a bronze cauldron for cooking or sacrificial rituals
  • 刂刀dāoknife

The traditional form 則 pairs 鼎, a bronze cauldron, with 刂, a knife, possibly showing carving on a bronze vessel; the simplified 则 is a later shorthand.

Open 则 →

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