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实际上 (shí jì shàng) — in fact; actually; in reality

Definition

Actually, in fact — used to correct a wrong impression or contrast with what seems true. More formal than 其实, and focuses on the reality of a situation rather than emphasis like 的确.

adverb
in factactuallyin reality

Examples

  • 实际上，。
    shí jì shàng, Zhè ge wèn tí hěn jiǎn dān.
    In fact, this problem is very simple.
  • 实际上。
    Tā shí jì shàng bù xǐ huan chī yú.
    He actually doesn't like eating fish.
  • 实际上。
    Wǒ shí jì shàng méi jiàn guò tā.
    I actually haven't met him.

Origin

Derived word
构词法gòucífǎ
后缀hòuzhuìSuffix

A fixed syllable at the end that turns the word into a noun, a person, a place or the like.

实际reality
实shíreal际jìcircumstance
偏正Modifier + head
上shàngon

实际 means real circumstance and 上 adds on, giving the sense of in fact.

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 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 際; 际 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
阝Written in full as阜fù
Sound part声符shēngfú
祭
祭jì際⁰jì
Same sound today

The traditional form 際 pairs 阝 with 祭: 阝 gives the meaning and 祭 gives the sound. The simplified 际 is a later shorthand.

Open 际 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

上 is drawn as a short horizontal line placed above a longer arc, marking a position above that arc.

Open 上 →

Grammar

Appears in
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