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March 24, 2026
实(實)shí(shi2)
The character 实 (shí) conveys the idea of something being real or true. It is commonly used in expressions to emphasize sincerity or authenticity, often in contexts related to honesty or the tangible nature of objects. Additionally, it can denote solidity or something that is concrete, as opposed to abstract concepts.
Strokes8Radical宀Frequency#6208DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 'real' or 'true' is highly valued, particularly in business and personal relationships, where honesty is seen as a foundation for trust. The phrase 实事求是 is often cited in discussions about integrity and ethical practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a solid, sturdy building that represents '实' (shí) because it stands firm and true. The left part of the character resembles a mouth, suggesting 'speaking the truth,' while the right side looks like a symbol of stability, reinforcing the idea of something that is real and not just a facade.
Meanings of 实
shí(shi2)
1real
2true
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 实
实Simplified
實Traditional
8Strokes
宀Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6208Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 实
Podcast: 实
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AI Study Notes for 实
Quick Contrast
真实 (zhēnshí) vs 实际 (shíjì) — choose 实 (shí) when emphasizing the quality of being real or true, rather than the practical or actual aspect denoted by 实际 (shíjì).
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a solid, sturdy building that represents '实' (shí) because it stands firm and true. The left part of the character resembles a mouth, suggesting 'speaking the truth,' while the right side looks like a symbol of stability, reinforcing the idea of something that is real and not just a facade.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context when using 实, as it can be both formal and informal depending on the phrase. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words that denote abstract concepts; ensure you're emphasizing reality or truth. Typical collocations include 实事求是 (shí shì qiú shì), which means to seek truth from facts.
HSK Study Tips
While 实 is not explicitly listed in the HSK levels, it aligns well with vocabulary in HSK 3 and above, where students encounter more complex phrases. Focus on its use in forming expressions about honesty and reality, and practice sentences that illustrate its meaning in context.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 'real' or 'true' is highly valued, particularly in business and personal relationships, where honesty is seen as a foundation for trust. The phrase 实事求是 is often cited in discussions about integrity and ethical practices.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 实 with 事 (shì), which relates to matters or events, leading to incorrect phrases like '实的事情' when they should say '真实的事情' (real matters). Another mistake is using it to describe abstract concepts, which can lead to awkward sentences.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 实
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Simplified form of 實. 貫 is a pictograph of a string of money. Based on the original meaning "thrive; plentiful". The meaning later shifted to "real", "true", and "fruit".
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Grammar Patterns of 实
实 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
You'll take everything you're offered yet your own generosity is virtually non-existent.
Cultural Notes for 实
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'realness' (实) is often associated with honesty and integrity. People value authenticity in relationships and business dealings.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 'real' or 'true' is highly valued, particularly in business and personal relationships, where honesty is seen as a foundation for trust. The phrase 实事求是 is often cited in discussions about integrity and ethical practices.
📜Proverb
There's a Chinese proverb: '实事求是' (seek truth from facts), emphasizing the importance of realistic and honest approaches in life.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While Western cultures often emphasize individualism, Chinese culture places a strong value on harmony and authenticity, with '实' symbolizing the importance of being genuine in community and interpersonal relationships.
Word Family of 实
Words Containing This Character20
其实qíshíactually其實
确实quèshíindeed確實
实现shíxiànto achieve實現
事实shìshífact事實
事实上shìshíshàngin fact事實上
实际上shíjìshàngin fact實際上
实在shízàireally實在
实施shíshīto implement實施
真实zhēnshítrue真實
现实xiànshíreality現實
实际shíjìreality實際
实验shíyàntest實驗
实行shíxíngto implement實行
实力shílìstrength實力
实验室shíyànshìlaboratory實驗室
实shíreal實
实践shíjiànpractice實踐
实话shíhuàtruth實話
证实zhèngshíto verify證實
落实luòshípractical落實
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 其实 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 实
Yes, 实 is used in several common phrases in Chinese. For example, '实事求是' (shí shì qiú shì) means 'to seek truth from facts', emphasizing the importance of being realistic and pragmatic. Another phrase is '实事' (shí shì), which means 'real events' or 'actual circumstances'.
Besides 'real' and 'true', 实 can also mean 'solid' or 'honest' depending on the context. In some cases, it can refer to the idea of something being genuine or authentic. It may also denote the concept of fruit in specific contexts, particularly in idiomatic expressions.
实 (shí) means 'real' or 'true' in Chinese. It can also refer to something that is solid or honest. Additionally, in certain contexts, it can imply 'really' or 'actually'.
To use 实 (shí) in a sentence, you can say '这是真的' (zhè shì zhēn de), which means 'This is real'. You can also use it to emphasize honesty or truthfulness, such as '他是一个实在的人' (tā shì yī gè shí zài de rén), meaning 'He is a real/true person'.
In business, 实 emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency, ensuring that claims about products or services are based on reality.
Yes, you can use 实 to describe genuine feelings, such as saying '我对你很实' (I am very sincere to you).
实 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the expressions it's part of may differ in register.
