事实上...
In fact...
Literalmente: Fact-on-it...
Use '事实上' whenever you need to pivot from a common assumption to the actual truth.
En 15 segundos
- Use it to reveal the truth or correct a misconception.
- Place it at the start of a sentence for maximum impact.
- Perfect for both professional meetings and clearing up social confusion.
Significado
Think of this as the perfect bridge to reveal the truth or correct a misconception. It is exactly like saying 'actually' or 'as a matter of fact' when you want to set the record straight.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Correcting a friend's assumption about your diet
事实上，我上个星期就开始吃素了。
In fact, I started a vegetarian diet last week.
Clarifying a project status in a meeting
事实上，我们已经完成了百分之八十的工作。
In fact, we have already completed eighty percent of the work.
Texting a friend about a party they thought was boring
事实上，昨晚的派对非常有趣！
Actually, the party last night was really fun!
Contexto cultural
While traditional Chinese culture often prioritizes indirectness, the phrase '事实上' has become a staple in modern discourse. It reflects the influence of Western logical structures in modern Mandarin, especially in professional and academic circles. It allows speakers to be assertive without being personally aggressive by grounding their statement in 'facts'.
The 'Actually' Swap
If you can say 'Actually' in English, you can almost always use '事实上' in Chinese. It's a very safe 1:1 translation.
Don't be a 'Fact-Checker'
Using this phrase too much can make you sound like you are constantly correcting people. Use it sparingly to keep your conversations friendly.
En 15 segundos
- Use it to reveal the truth or correct a misconception.
- Place it at the start of a sentence for maximum impact.
- Perfect for both professional meetings and clearing up social confusion.
What It Means
事实上 is your go-to tool for revealing reality. It helps you transition from what people *think* is happening to what is *actually* happening. It carries a sense of authority and clarity. Use it when you want to provide evidence or clarify a point.
How To Use It
Place it right at the start of your sentence. It acts as a logical connector. You can follow it with a comma for emphasis. For example: 事实上，我并不喜欢喝咖啡 (In fact, I don't really like coffee). It works beautifully when you are about to surprise someone with a fact they didn't expect. It makes you sound logical and well-informed.
When To Use It
You can use this in almost any setting. It fits perfectly in a business meeting when discussing data. It works great when texting a friend to clear up a misunderstanding. Use it when you want to sound more persuasive. It’s perfect for debunking myths or correcting a small mistake politely. If someone thinks you're a pro at mahjong, but you just got lucky once, this is your phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it too often in a single conversation. You might come off as a 'know-it-all' or a bit argumentative. Don't use it if the fact is already obvious to everyone. It can sound a bit stiff in very high-energy, emotional outbursts. If you're just chatting about your feelings, 其实 (actually) might feel a bit softer and more natural.
Cultural Background
Chinese communication often values 'saving face' or being indirect. However, 事实上 allows for a polite way to be direct. It shifts the focus from 'you are wrong' to 'the facts are this.' It’s a very common phrase in modern Chinese media and news. It reflects a modern shift toward data-driven and logical expression in urban life.
Common Variations
You will often hear 其实 (qíshí) in casual daily chats. In very formal writing, you might see 实际上 (shíjìshàng). They all mean roughly the same thing. 事实上 sits right in the middle—it's the 'Goldilocks' of factual transitions. It is professional enough for a boss but cool enough for a friend.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral-to-formal. It is highly versatile and safe for B1 learners to use in both professional emails and casual conversations to add a layer of logical structure to their speech.
The 'Actually' Swap
If you can say 'Actually' in English, you can almost always use '事实上' in Chinese. It's a very safe 1:1 translation.
Don't be a 'Fact-Checker'
Using this phrase too much can make you sound like you are constantly correcting people. Use it sparingly to keep your conversations friendly.
The Softener Secret
In China, adding '其实' (qíshí) before '事实上' makes you sound much softer and less confrontational. Try '其实，事实上...' for a very polite correction.
Ejemplos
6事实上，我上个星期就开始吃素了。
In fact, I started a vegetarian diet last week.
Used to update a friend on a personal change.
事实上，我们已经完成了百分之八十的工作。
In fact, we have already completed eighty percent of the work.
Provides a professional update with concrete data.
事实上，昨晚的派对非常有趣！
Actually, the party last night was really fun!
Expressing a contrary but positive opinion.
事实上，我只会跳这一种舞。
In fact, this is the only dance I know.
Self-deprecating humor after someone praises your dancing.
事实上，那天是我先提的分手。
In fact, I was the one who brought up the breakup first that day.
Setting the record straight on a sensitive topic.
事实上，我并没有收到那封邮件。
In fact, I didn't receive that email.
Politely explaining a situation to an authority figure.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to start the sentence to correct the assumption that you are busy.
A: 你最近很忙吧？ B: ___，我这周挺闲的。
The speaker is correcting the assumption that they are busy, making '事实上' (In fact) the perfect fit.
Complete the professional sentence.
___，这个方案的成本比我们预想的要低。
In a professional context, '事实上' introduces a factual observation about the budget.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Spectrum of 'In Fact'
Using '其实' with close friends.
其实我不饿。
Using '事实上' in most daily and work situations.
事实上，他没来。
Using '实际上' in reports or speeches.
实际上，数据表明...
When to use 事实上
Correcting a rumor
事实上，他们没分手。
Business reporting
事实上，利润增加了。
Personal confession
事实上，我害怕猫。
Debunking myths
事实上，西红柿是水果。
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means 'in fact' or 'as a matter of fact'. You use it to introduce a piece of information that clarifies or corrects what was previously said.
Not at all! While it is used in speeches, it is perfectly fine for texting when you want to be clear. For example: 事实上，我还没到家 (In fact, I'm not home yet).
其实 is more casual and common in spoken Chinese. 事实上 sounds a bit more grounded in evidence or 'hard' facts.
No, it almost always appears at the beginning of a clause or sentence to set the stage for the fact coming up.
It depends on your tone. If said gently, it's helpful. If snapped, it can sound like you're correcting someone's ignorance.
Yes, 实际上 (shíjìshàng) is very similar but leans slightly more toward 'actually/in reality'. They are often interchangeable.
Yes, it is a great transition word for academic or persuasive writing to introduce a counter-argument or evidence.
You can use 确切地说 (to be more precise) or 究其本质 (in essence), but 事实上 is usually formal enough for most needs.
It is used universally across mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore. It's a standard Mandarin expression.
A common mistake is using it to mean 'therefore'. Remember, it's for facts, not for showing cause and effect.
Frases relacionadas
其实 (Actually)
实际上 (In reality)
的确 (Indeed)
说实话 (To tell the truth)
准确地说 (To be precise)
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