事实上
In fact
Wörtlich: Fact-above-on
Use '事实上' whenever you need to pivot from a common assumption to the cold, hard truth.
In 15 Sekunden
- Use it to correct a misunderstanding or add detail.
- Works in both professional emails and casual chats.
- Position it at the start of your clarifying sentence.
Bedeutung
Think of this as your 'actually' or 'as a matter of fact.' It is the perfect tool for correcting a misconception or adding a surprising detail to a story.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Correcting a friend's assumption about your weekend
大家都以为我去旅游了，事实上我一直在家睡觉。
Everyone thought I went traveling; in fact, I've been sleeping at home.
A business meeting regarding sales figures
事实上，我们上个月的利润增加了百分之十。
In fact, our profits increased by ten percent last month.
Texting a friend who thinks you are mad
我不生气，事实上，我刚才只是手机没电了。
I'm not mad; in fact, my phone just ran out of battery.
Kultureller Hintergrund
While traditional Chinese culture values indirectness, the modern use of '事实上' reflects a contemporary move toward logical clarity and efficiency. It is a favorite among the younger, tech-savvy generation who value data and directness over vague social pleasantries.
The 'Actually' Swap
If you can replace a word with 'actually' in English, `事实上` or `其实` will almost always work in Chinese.
Don't be a Robot
Using `事实上` in every sentence makes you sound like a Wikipedia page. Save it for when the fact really matters!
In 15 Sekunden
- Use it to correct a misunderstanding or add detail.
- Works in both professional emails and casual chats.
- Position it at the start of your clarifying sentence.
What It Means
事实上 is a bridge between what people think and what is real. It literally means "on the facts." Use it when you want to set the record straight. It feels like leaning in to share a secret truth. It is punchy, clear, and very useful.
How To Use It
Place it at the start of a sentence or after a comma. It acts as a logical connector. You are essentially saying, "Wait, here is the real story." It often follows a statement that is slightly incorrect. You can use it to clarify your own feelings too. It works just like the English phrase "In fact."
When To Use It
You can use this in almost any setting. Use it at work to clarify a project status. Use it with friends when they assume you are busy. It is great for debunking myths or rumors. Use it when you want to sound objective and grounded. It adds a layer of authority to your words. Even in texting, it helps you sound precise.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you are just agreeing with someone. If they are right, you do not need to say "in fact." Avoid it if you want to be vague or mysterious. It is a very "tell it like it is" phrase. Using it too much can make you sound like a know-it-all. Don't use it in very short, emotional outbursts. It requires a bit of logic to follow.
Cultural Background
Chinese communication can sometimes be indirect to save "face." However, 事实上 allows for a polite way to be direct. It shifts the focus from the person to the "facts." This makes corrections feel less like a personal attack. It has become a staple in modern media and news reporting. It reflects a shift toward more analytical and evidence-based conversation in urban China.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 其实 (qíshí) which is more common in casual chat. 实际上 (shíjìshàng) is another twin brother to this phrase. They are almost interchangeable in daily life. 事实上 feels slightly more grounded in evidence. Think of 其实 as "actually" and 事实上 as "in fact."
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is highly versatile and sits right in the 'neutral' zone of formality. It is safe to use with your boss, your teacher, or your best friend.
The 'Actually' Swap
If you can replace a word with 'actually' in English, `事实上` or `其实` will almost always work in Chinese.
Don't be a Robot
Using `事实上` in every sentence makes you sound like a Wikipedia page. Save it for when the fact really matters!
Softening the Blow
In China, using 'facts' is a polite way to tell someone they are wrong without making it about their intelligence.
Beispiele
6大家都以为我去旅游了，事实上我一直在家睡觉。
Everyone thought I went traveling; in fact, I've been sleeping at home.
Used here to contrast expectations with a funny, lazy reality.
事实上，我们上个月的利润增加了百分之十。
In fact, our profits increased by ten percent last month.
Adds professional weight to a positive data point.
我不生气，事实上，我刚才只是手机没电了。
I'm not mad; in fact, my phone just ran out of battery.
Clears up a social misunderstanding quickly.
这个菜看起来很辣，事实上一点都不辣。
This dish looks spicy, but in fact, it isn't spicy at all.
Corrects a visual misconception about food.
我看起来很坚强，事实上我也很害怕。
I look strong, but in fact, I am also very scared.
Reveals a vulnerable truth behind an outward appearance.
事实上，截止日期是明天，不是今天。
In fact, the deadline is tomorrow, not today.
A polite but firm correction of a factual error.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best phrase to correct the misconception that the speaker is rich.
很多人觉得我有钱，___ 我很穷。
The speaker is contrasting what people think ('rich') with the truth ('poor').
Which word fits best in a professional report?
___，这个计划已经开始了。
It provides a formal, factual transition to state the status of a plan.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Range of 'Fact' Phrases
Used with close friends
其实 (qíshí)
Good for almost any situation
事实上 (shìshíshàng)
Used in academic or legal contexts
据事实而言
Where to use 事实上
Office Meetings
Correcting data
Dating
Revealing feelings
Dining
Discussing ingredients
Texting
Explaining delays
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt breaks down into 事实 (fact) and 上 (on/above). So it literally means 'on the basis of facts.'
其实 is more common in spoken, casual Chinese. 事实上 sounds a bit more objective and serious, like you've actually checked the data.
No, it almost always appears at the beginning of the clause it is introducing. For example: 事实上，我不喜欢他。
Not at all! It is quite common in texts when you want to be clear or explain a situation seriously.
Usually, no. It needs a previous statement or context to 'correct' or 'add to.' You wouldn't just walk up to someone and say 'In fact...'
It is generally not rude. However, like 'actually' in English, your tone of voice matters. If you say it aggressively, it might sound like you're lecturing.
They are very similar. 实际上 (shíjìshàng) focuses more on 'reality' versus 'theory,' while 事实上 focuses on 'facts' versus 'assumptions.'
Yes, it is a perfect transition word for academic or argumentative writing in Chinese.
It is pronounced 'shì shí shàng.' Watch those tones: 4th, 2nd, and 4th!
Learners sometimes forget the 上 at the end. Saying just 事实 means 'the fact,' which doesn't work as a connector.
Verwandte Redewendungen
其实
Actually (more casual)
实际上
In reality / practically
说实话
To tell the truth
的确
Indeed / certainly
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