实际

You can use it as an adjective or a noun. To describe a situation, say 实际情况 (the actual situation). To describe a person, say 他很实际 (he is very practical). You can also use it to pivot a conversation. Use 实际上 to mean 'actually' or 'in fact' when you want to correct someone politely. It is like saying, 'Look, here is the real deal.'

Use it when planning a trip with friends. If someone suggests visiting five cities in two days, tell them it is not 实际. Use it in the office when discussing budgets. It is great for managing expectations. It is also a compliment for someone who is reliable and grounded. Use it when you want to sound logical and observant.

Do not use it to describe physical objects like 'real' leather or 'real' flowers. For those, use 真的. Avoid using it as a compliment if the person is sensitive about being called 'materialistic.' In some contexts, calling someone too 实际 implies they only care about money or utility. Don't use it for 'truth' in a moral or legal sense; that is usually 真相.

Chinese culture deeply values pragmatism. Being 实际 is often seen as a virtue of the working class and successful entrepreneurs. There is a famous saying about 'seeking truth from facts.' This mindset prioritizes what works over abstract theory. In modern dating, being 实际 is a hot topic. It often refers to looking at a partner's financial stability rather than just 'romance.'

The most common spin-off is 实际上 (shíjìshàng). You will hear this in almost every debate or explanation. Another is 不切实际 (bùqièshíjì). This describes ideas that are totally unrealistic or 'pie in the sky.' If a friend wants to buy a Ferrari on a waiter's salary, that is 不切实际.