事实俱在
Facts are all there
Literally: Facts (事实) all (俱) exist/are present (在)
Use this when the evidence is so overwhelming that further denial or argument is completely useless.
In 15 Seconds
- The evidence is undeniable and clearly present.
- Use it to end arguments with cold, hard facts.
- Carries a firm, authoritative, and serious tone.
Meaning
This phrase is used to say that the evidence is undeniable and right in front of everyone's eyes. It's like pointing at a smoking gun and saying, 'The proof is right here, so there is no point in arguing.'
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting regarding a failed project
虽然他一直在辩解,但事实俱在,亏损是无法否认的。
Although he keeps making excuses, the facts are all there; the losses cannot be denied.
A mother catching a child who broke a vase
碎片就在你脚下,事实俱在,你还想抵赖吗?
The shards are right at your feet, the facts are all there, do you still want to deny it?
Discussing a historical event
关于这段历史,事实俱在,不容篡改。
Regarding this period of history, the facts are all there and do not allow for distortion.
Cultural Background
The phrase utilizes the classical Chinese character '俱' (jù), which gives it an authoritative and timeless tone. It aligns with the long-standing legalistic and philosophical tradition in China of prioritizing concrete evidence over mere rhetoric. It is frequently seen in news reporting and formal debates to signal that a conclusion is indisputable.
The 'Drop the Mic' Effect
Use this at the very end of your argument. It acts as a full stop that makes it hard for the other person to keep talking.
Don't be a Bully
Because this phrase is so strong, using it in a small disagreement with a partner might come off as too aggressive or cold.
In 15 Seconds
- The evidence is undeniable and clearly present.
- Use it to end arguments with cold, hard facts.
- Carries a firm, authoritative, and serious tone.
What It Means
Think of 事实俱在 as the ultimate conversation-ender. It means the evidence is so clear that no one can deny it. You aren't just guessing. You have the receipts, the photos, or the witnesses. It is the linguistic equivalent of dropping a thick folder of evidence on a desk.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the end of a statement to solidify your point. It works as a standalone sentence or a concluding clause. It’s perfect for when someone is trying to wiggle out of a mistake. You use it to say, 'Look, the data doesn't lie.' It feels very firm and grounded.
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when the quarterly numbers are undeniable. Use it when a friend claims they didn't eat your cake, but they have frosting on their face. It’s great for serious debates or legal discussions. It also works in emotional heart-to-hearts where you need to face the reality of a situation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for subjective opinions or feelings. You can't say 事实俱在 about which ice cream flavor is better. Avoid using it in very lighthearted, playful banter unless you are being intentionally dramatic. It can sound a bit 'detective-like' if used too casually. If the evidence is shaky, stay away from this phrase.
Cultural Background
This phrase has a classical, literary feel because of the character 俱 (all/both). It reflects a Chinese cultural emphasis on 'seeking truth from facts.' In Chinese history and literature, being 'upright' often means facing the facts head-on. It’s a phrase that commands respect because it appeals to objective reality.
Common Variations
You might hear 事实摆在眼前 (the facts are before our eyes) in casual speech. 铁证如山 (iron-clad evidence like a mountain) is a more intense version. 事实胜于雄辩 (facts speak louder than words) is a related proverb you'll often hear alongside it. 事实俱在 remains the most concise way to state that the case is closed.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits in the formal to neutral register. It is highly effective in debates, legal contexts, and serious personal confrontations, but should be used sparingly in lighthearted social settings to avoid sounding overly stern.
The 'Drop the Mic' Effect
Use this at the very end of your argument. It acts as a full stop that makes it hard for the other person to keep talking.
Don't be a Bully
Because this phrase is so strong, using it in a small disagreement with a partner might come off as too aggressive or cold.
The Power of 'Ju'
The word `俱` (jù) is a 'fancy' way to say 'all'. Using it makes you sound more educated and your argument more serious.
Examples
6虽然他一直在辩解,但事实俱在,亏损是无法否认的。
Although he keeps making excuses, the facts are all there; the losses cannot be denied.
Used here to shut down weak excuses with data.
碎片就在你脚下,事实俱在,你还想抵赖吗?
The shards are right at your feet, the facts are all there, do you still want to deny it?
A bit dramatic and firm, used when someone is caught red-handed.
关于这段历史,事实俱在,不容篡改。
Regarding this period of history, the facts are all there and do not allow for distortion.
Very formal and serious, emphasizing truth.
照片都拍到了,事实俱在,他这次没法洗白了。
The photos were taken, the facts are all there, he can't clear his name this time.
Informal use referring to 'receipts' or photographic proof.
你眼泪都打出来了,事实俱在,快去睡觉吧!
You're literally tearing up from yawning, the facts are all there, go to sleep!
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation to create a mock-serious effect.
被告人,事实俱在,请你如实交代。
Defendant, the facts are all there, please give a truthful account.
The most standard, high-stakes usage of the phrase.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence regarding a clear mistake.
监控录像显示得很清楚,___,你不用再解释了。
Since the security footage (监控录像) is clear, 'the facts are all there' is the only logical conclusion.
Which phrase fits a situation where someone is presenting undeniable evidence?
面对这些___的证据,他终于低下了头。
The sentence implies the evidence is undeniable, making '事实俱在' the correct descriptor.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Facts are All There'
Using 'Facts are right here' (事实摆在眼前)
Look at the mess!
Standard conversation about proof.
The records show everything.
事实俱在 - Used in reports or debates.
The evidence is incontrovertible.
Legal or historical documents.
The evidence is as solid as a mountain.
When to Drop the 'Fact' Bomb
Courtroom
Presenting DNA evidence.
Office
Showing the data report to a skeptic.
Home
Finding the broken cookie jar.
News
Reporting on a clear investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsIt's more common in formal writing or serious discussions, but you'll hear it in daily life when someone is being very firm, like 事实俱在,你别再骗我了.
Technically yes, but it's usually used in a confrontational or defensive way to prove something went wrong or someone is guilty.
事实胜于雄辩 is a proverb meaning 'facts speak louder than words,' while 事实俱在 is a direct statement that the facts are currently present.
A little bit! It has that 'I've solved the case' vibe, especially if you say it with a serious face.
Yes, if you are presenting a report and the data is clear, saying 事实俱在 shows you are confident in your findings.
No, it's strictly for objective, verifiable information. You wouldn't say it about loving someone.
In slang, people might say 有图有真相 (there are pictures, so there is the truth) instead of this formal phrase.
It means 'all' or 'completely.' In this phrase, it means every single piece of evidence is present.
Absolutely. It's an excellent phrase for argumentative essays to emphasize a proven point.
It's not rude, but it is very blunt. It leaves no room for the other person's opinion.
It's pronounced 'jù' (fourth tone). It sounds like 'ju' in 'junior' but with a sharp falling tone.
Related Phrases
铁证如山
Iron-clad evidence as solid as a mountain.
事实胜于雄辩
Facts speak louder than words.
证据确凿
The evidence is conclusive and undeniable.
众所周知
As everyone knows; it is common knowledge.
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