实际上
Actually
Littéralement: Actual-on-top
Use `实际上` to bridge the gap between what seems to be and what truly is.
En 15 secondes
- Use it to reveal the truth behind an appearance.
- Works like 'actually' or 'in fact' in English sentences.
- Perfect for correcting misconceptions politely in any setting.
Signification
You use this when you want to reveal the truth or correct a misconception. It's like saying 'In reality' or 'The truth is' when the facts are different from what people think.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Correcting a friend's assumption
很多人以为他很老，实际上他才三十岁。
Many people think he's old, but actually, he's only thirty.
Explaining a work task
这个工作看着很难，实际上很容易。
This job looks hard, but actually, it's very easy.
In a business meeting
实际上，我们的预算已经超支了。
Actually, our budget has already been exceeded.
Contexte culturel
In Chinese culture, directly contradicting someone can be seen as rude. '实际上' acts as a buffer, allowing the speaker to present facts objectively rather than personally. It became a staple of modern Mandarin as a way to structure logical arguments and professional feedback.
The 'But' Partner
You can use `实际上` alone, but it often pairs with `虽然` (although) or `但是` (but) to create a strong contrast.
Don't Over-Correct
Using it too often can make you sound like you're constantly proofreading other people's lives. Save it for important truths!
En 15 secondes
- Use it to reveal the truth behind an appearance.
- Works like 'actually' or 'in fact' in English sentences.
- Perfect for correcting misconceptions politely in any setting.
What It Means
实际上 is your go-to tool for setting the record straight. It literally translates to 'on the level of reality.' Think of it as pulling back a curtain. You use it when someone assumes one thing, but the truth is actually something else. It bridges the gap between appearance and reality.
How To Use It
Place it at the start of a sentence or right after the subject. It works just like 'actually' or 'in fact' in English. You can use it to add more detail to a story. You can also use it to gently disagree with someone. It acts as a logical connector that prepares the listener for a 'reveal.'
When To Use It
Use it when you're explaining a situation at work. It's perfect for correcting a friend who has the wrong idea about your weekend plans. Use it in a restaurant if a dish isn't what you expected. It's great for texting when you want to be precise. It makes you sound more objective and thoughtful.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you're just saying 'yes' or 'no.' It requires a follow-up explanation or a fact. Avoid using it too many times in one conversation. It can make you sound like a 'know-it-all' if overused. If the fact is obvious, skip it. Don't use it to express strong emotions like anger; it's too logical for that.
Cultural Background
Chinese communication can sometimes be indirect to save 'face.' However, 实际上 provides a polite, objective way to pivot to the truth. It shifts the focus from 'you are wrong' to 'the situation is actually like this.' It’s a very common bridge in both business and academic settings in China. It shows you have a deeper understanding of the topic.
Common Variations
In casual speech, you might hear 其实 (qíshí). It's shorter and feels a bit more conversational. In very formal writing, you might see 事实上 (shìshí shàng). 实际上 sits right in the middle. It is the 'Goldilocks' of these phrases—not too stiff, not too casual. It’s the safe bet for almost any situation.
Notes d'usage
It is a neutral-to-formal bridge word. While very versatile, ensure you have a factual point to follow it with to maintain its effectiveness.
The 'But' Partner
You can use `实际上` alone, but it often pairs with `虽然` (although) or `但是` (but) to create a strong contrast.
Don't Over-Correct
Using it too often can make you sound like you're constantly proofreading other people's lives. Save it for important truths!
Softening the Blow
In China, starting a correction with `实际上` sounds much softer than saying 'You are wrong.' It focuses on the facts, not the person.
Exemples
6很多人以为他很老，实际上他才三十岁。
Many people think he's old, but actually, he's only thirty.
Contrasts a common belief with a specific fact.
这个工作看着很难，实际上很容易。
This job looks hard, but actually, it's very easy.
Used to reassure someone by clarifying the reality.
实际上，我们的预算已经超支了。
Actually, our budget has already been exceeded.
Delivers serious news objectively and professionally.
我说是要去，实际上我还在家呢。
I said I was going, but actually, I'm still at home.
A relatable moment of being late or lazy.
他表面上很开心，实际上心里很痛苦。
He seems happy on the surface, but actually, he is in a lot of pain.
Used to describe deep, hidden emotions.
我不是老师，实际上我是一名学生。
I'm not a teacher; actually, I'm a student.
A simple correction of identity.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to show the truth behind the appearance.
他看起来很有钱，___他欠了很多债。
The sentence contrasts looking rich with being in debt, so 'actually' (实际上) is the logical choice.
Where does the phrase fit best?
这件衣服___比那件贵。
Putting '实际上' after the subject is a common way to emphasize the truth about the price.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Actually' in Chinese
Used with close friends.
其实 (qíshí)
Safe for most daily and work situations.
实际上 (shíjì shàng)
Used in writing or speeches.
事实上 (shìshí shàng)
When to use 实际上
Correcting a Rumor
Actually, they aren't dating.
Clarifying a Project
Actually, we need more time.
Sharing a Secret
Actually, I don't like coffee.
Explaining a Result
Actually, the test was easy.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt means 'actually' or 'in reality.' You use it to clarify a situation like 实际上，我没去过北京 (Actually, I haven't been to Beijing).
Yes, 其实 is more informal and common in spoken Chinese. 实际上 is slightly more grounded and can be used in both speech and writing.
Absolutely! It's very common to start with 实际上，... to introduce a new fact that contradicts what was just said.
Not at all. It's neutral, so it works fine in texts, though 其实 is slightly more common for quick messages.
Instead of saying 'No,' say 实际上... followed by the truth. It sounds more like an observation than an argument.
Usually, yes. It implies that there is a difference between what is expected and what is true.
Yes, it's a great word for interviews. For example: 实际上，我有三年的管理经验 (Actually, I have three years of management experience).
They are very similar, but 事实上 (shìshí shàng) is even more formal, often used in legal or academic contexts.
No, it specifically means 'actually.' For 'practically' in the sense of 'almost,' you would use 几乎 (jīhū).
It usually goes before the verb or at the very beginning of the clause. For example: 他实际上很聪明 (He is actually very smart).
Expressions liées
其实 (Actually/In fact)
事实上 (As a matter of fact)
真的 (Really/Truly)
说实话 (To tell the truth)
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