其实 qíshí

其实（qíshí）means “actually; in fact”. "其实" introduces the true situation, often one that differs from what appears on the surface or from what people assume. Formation: 其实 + 句子 / 主语 + 其实 + 谓语

actually; in fact

HSK3

Formation

其实 + 句子 / 主语 + 其实 + 谓语

Explanation

"其实" introduces the true situation, often one that differs from what appears on the surface or from what people assume. It can stand at the start of a clause or right before the predicate.

Examples

他看起来很凶，其实很善良。
tā kàn qǐlai hěn xiōng, qíshí hěn shànliáng
He looks fierce, but he's actually very kind.
我其实不太喜欢喝咖啡。
wǒ qíshí bú tài xǐhuan hē kāfēi
Actually, I don't really like drinking coffee.

Note

Often pairs with a contrast: "看起来… 其实…" (seems…, but actually…).

FAQ

其实 — what does it mean and how is it used?

actually; in fact. "其实" introduces the true situation, often one that differs from what appears on the surface or from what people assume. It can stand at the start of a clause or right before the predicate.

其实 — how do you form it?

其实 + 句子 / 主语 + 其实 + 谓语

其实 — any usage notes?

Often pairs with a contrast: "看起来… 其实…" (seems…, but actually…).

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