实际上
Used to emphasize the real facts of a situation, especially when they are different from what people believe or expect. Functions like 'actually' or 'in fact'.
Examples
3 of 5虽然这个任务听起来简单，实际上非常复杂。
Although this task sounds simple, it is actually very complex.
实际上，我们还没有达成最后的协议。
In fact, we haven't reached a final agreement yet.
大家都以为他赢了，实际上他输了。
Everyone thought he won, but in fact, he lost.
Word Family
Memory Tip
实 (real) + 际 (boundary/occasion) + 上 (on/in). Literally, 'on the real side of things'.
Quick Quiz
很多人觉得这个软件很好用，___它的运行速度很慢。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 实际上
Examples
虽然这个任务听起来简单，实际上非常复杂。
academicAlthough this task sounds simple, it is actually very complex.
实际上，我们还没有达成最后的协议。
businessIn fact, we haven't reached a final agreement yet.
大家都以为他赢了，实际上他输了。
everydayEveryone thought he won, but in fact, he lost.
实际上，这种现象在很多国家都存在。
formalActually, this phenomenon exists in many countries.
我原本不想去，实际上也没时间去。
informalI didn't want to go originally, and actually, I didn't have time either.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
名义上...实际上...
nominally... but actually...
实际上不难
actually not difficult
实际上更有用
actually more useful
Often Confused With
其实 (qíshí) is more common in spoken Chinese, while 实际上 is slightly more formal and frequently used in academic writing.
Usage Notes
A perfect transition word for IELTS Writing Task 2 to contrast a common perception with reality.
Common Mistakes
Don't confuse with the noun '实际' (reality/practice); use '实际上' when you need an adverb at the start of a sentence.
Memory Tip
实 (real) + 际 (boundary/occasion) + 上 (on/in). Literally, 'on the real side of things'.
Word Origin
实 (solid/real) + 际 (inter-), combined as 'actual'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
很多人觉得这个软件很好用，___它的运行速度很慢。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 实际上
Related Vocabulary
More logic words
逆转
B1To change something so that it is the opposite of what it was before; to reverse a trend or situation.
导致
B1To make something happen, usually something bad. A key word for analyzing cause and effect in IELTS essays.
尽管
B1Used to introduce a fact that makes the main statement surprising. It functions like 'although' or 'even though' in English.
具体
B1Relating to a particular thing rather than a general one; clear and detailed. It is the opposite of abstract or vague.
不仅
B1Used to indicate that something else is also true in addition to the first thing mentioned. It is usually paired with '而且' or '也'.
确定
B1To decide definitely or to find out exactly. It involves making something certain or confirming a fact.
条件
B1A state or circumstance that must exist before something else can happen; also refers to the state of something regarding its quality or appearance.
绝对
B1Not qualified or limited in any way; total. Used to emphasize that something is completely true or certain.
矛盾
B1A combination of statements, ideas, or features of a situation that are opposed to one another. It can also refer to a disagreement or conflict between people.
推理
B1The action of thinking about something in a logical, sensible way to reach a conclusion. It is the process of using evidence to form a judgment.
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