实际上...
Actually...
حرفيًا: Actual-on-top-of
Use '实际上' to politely bridge the gap between what is assumed and what is true.
في 15 ثانية
- Use it to reveal the truth behind an assumption.
- Functions like 'In fact' or 'Actually' in English.
- Perfect for correcting information politely and clearly.
المعنى
Think of this as your go-to phrase for setting the record straight. It’s used to reveal the truth or clarify a situation when the reality is different from what people assume.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Correcting a friend's assumption about your hobbies
大家都以为我喜欢运动，实际上我更喜欢看书。
Everyone thinks I like sports, but actually, I prefer reading.
Clarifying a project status in a meeting
实际上，我们的进度比计划快了一周。
Actually, our progress is one week ahead of schedule.
Texting a friend about dinner plans
我实际上已经到餐厅门口了。
I am actually already at the restaurant entrance.
خلفية ثقافية
In Chinese culture, directly contradicting someone can be seen as rude. '实际上' serves as a diplomatic tool to redirect a conversation toward the truth without causing the other person to lose face. It is widely used in both mainland China and Taiwan in professional and academic settings.
The 'Actually' Shortcut
If '实际上' feels like too many syllables during a fast conversation, just use '其实' (qíshí). It means the exact same thing but feels a bit punchier and more casual.
Don't Over-Correct
Using this phrase too often can make you sound like a 'know-it-all.' Use it when the correction actually matters, not for every tiny detail!
في 15 ثانية
- Use it to reveal the truth behind an assumption.
- Functions like 'In fact' or 'Actually' in English.
- Perfect for correcting information politely and clearly.
What It Means
实际上 (shíjìshàng) is the ultimate 'reality check' phrase. It helps you pivot from a common assumption to the cold, hard facts. It is like pulling back a curtain to show what is really happening backstage. You use it when you want to say 'In fact' or 'As a matter of fact.'
How To Use It
You usually place it at the beginning of a sentence or right after the subject. It acts as a bridge between a misconception and the truth. If your friend thinks you are a pro chef, you might say, 实际上，我只会煮面 (Actually, I only know how to cook noodles). It is very flexible and fits into almost any sentence structure.
When To Use It
Use it when you need to be precise. It is perfect for business meetings when correcting data. It is also great for heart-to-heart chats when you want to be honest about your feelings. Use it when texting to clear up a misunderstanding about your plans. It makes you sound thoughtful and well-informed.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it if you want to be extremely blunt or aggressive. It is a bit too 'explanatory' for a heated argument. If someone asks 'Are you hungry?' and you just want to say 'No,' don't use this. It would sound like you are about to give a lecture on your digestive system. Also, don't use it to replace a simple 'No' (不).
Cultural Background
Chinese communication often values 'mianzi' or face. 实际上 is a polite way to correct someone without making them feel stupid. It shifts the focus from 'You are wrong' to 'The situation is actually like this.' It is a linguistic cushion that softens the blow of a correction. It has been a staple of modern Mandarin for decades.
Common Variations
You might hear people just say 其实 (qíshí) in casual chats. 其实 is like the cool, younger cousin of 实际上. While 实际上 sounds a bit more grounded and evidence-based, 其实 is faster and more conversational. If you want to sound like a serious professional, stick with 实际上.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase is neutral and works in almost any setting. It is slightly more 'weighty' than its short version '其实', making it great for when you want to sound serious or factual.
The 'Actually' Shortcut
If '实际上' feels like too many syllables during a fast conversation, just use '其实' (qíshí). It means the exact same thing but feels a bit punchier and more casual.
Don't Over-Correct
Using this phrase too often can make you sound like a 'know-it-all.' Use it when the correction actually matters, not for every tiny detail!
The Soft Correction
In China, starting a sentence with '实际上' is much softer than saying 'You're wrong.' It focuses on the facts rather than the person's mistake.
أمثلة
6大家都以为我喜欢运动，实际上我更喜欢看书。
Everyone thinks I like sports, but actually, I prefer reading.
Contrasts a public perception with a personal truth.
实际上，我们的进度比计划快了一周。
Actually, our progress is one week ahead of schedule.
Used here to provide an optimistic factual update.
我实际上已经到餐厅门口了。
I am actually already at the restaurant entrance.
Used to show you are further along than they might think.
你看我买了新车，实际上我银行卡里只有十块钱。
You see I bought a new car, but actually, I only have ten yuan in my bank account.
Self-deprecating humor using the phrase to reveal a funny reality.
我表面上很开心，实际上我很担心这件事。
I look happy on the surface, but actually, I am very worried about this.
Used to share deeper, more vulnerable feelings.
很多人觉得汉语很难，实际上它很有逻辑。
Many people think Chinese is hard, but actually, it is very logical.
Used to challenge a common stereotype.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best word to complete the sentence where someone is correcting a misconception.
他看起来很凶，___他是一个非常温柔的人。
The sentence contrasts an appearance (looking mean) with a reality (being gentle), so 'actually' is the perfect fit.
Complete the professional report sentence.
这个方案看起来很贵，___它能帮我们省很多钱。
While '但是' (but) works, '实际上' adds a layer of factual authority to the correction.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'Actually' in Chinese
Using '其实' with friends over bubble tea.
其实我不饿。
Standard use of '实际上' in most daily conversations.
实际上，我还没做完。
Using '事实上' or '实际上' in a news report or speech.
实际上，该政策已见成效。
When to drop '实际上'
Business Meeting
Correcting a data point.
Heart-to-Heart
Telling a friend how you really feel.
Restaurant
Clarifying an order mistake.
Debunking Myths
Explaining a cultural fact.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلة'实际上' is slightly more formal and sounds more like 'in reality.' '其实' is very common in spoken Chinese and feels more like a casual 'actually.'
No, it almost always comes before the statement of fact. You would say 实际上，我很累 (Actually, I'm tired), never 我很累实际上.
Yes, it is very appropriate for professional emails. It helps you provide clarifications or corrections politely, such as 实际上，我们已经完成了.
Yes, 'In fact' is a perfect translation. It is used to introduce a fact that might be surprising or contrary to what was just said.
'事实上' (shìshíshàng) is even more formal than '实际上.' You will see it in books or news reports more than you'll hear it at a party.
Not really. It needs a context or a previous statement to 'correct.' You wouldn't walk up to a stranger and just say 'Actually...'
Usually, no. In fact, it's often used to be more polite by focusing on the situation rather than the person's error.
It is pronounced 'shee-jee-shahng.' Make sure to get that third tone on 'shàng' nice and sharp.
Yes! You can say 但是实际上... (But actually...) to make the contrast even stronger.
Learners sometimes use it when they just mean 'Now.' Remember, it must involve a contrast between an idea and a reality.
عبارات ذات صلة
其实 (qíshí) - Actually / In fact
事实上 (shìshíshàng) - As a matter of fact
说实话 (shuō shíhuà) - To tell the truth
其实不然 (qíshí bùrán) - Actually, that's not the case
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