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实际上 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
实际上shíjìshàngin factHSK 4, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #718, Medium
实际上shíjìshàngin realityHSK 4, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #718, Medium
实际上shíjìshàngas a matter of factHSK 4, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #718, Medium
实际上shíjìshàngin practiceHSK 4, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #718, Medium
shíjìshàng(shi2ji4shang4)shi ji shang T2
  1. 1in fact
  2. 2in reality
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March 24, 2026

实际上(實際上)shíjìshàng(shi2ji4shang4)

实际上 means 'in fact' or 'in reality.' It is used to clarify or emphasize the truth of a situation, often contrasting with what might be assumed or expected. This phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to introduce a more accurate perspective or to correct a misconception.

Strokes18Frequency#718DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese communication, there's often an emphasis on indirectness and subtlety. Using 实际上 reflects a cultural value of honesty and clarity, allowing speakers to navigate misconceptions while maintaining harmony in conversations.

Memory Tip

Think of 实 (shí) as representing 'real' and 际 (jì) as 'boundary'—together they suggest a real boundary or reality. The 上 (shàng) can remind you of 'standing above' the assumptions, helping you realize the truth beneath them. Imagine standing on a mountain, seeing the reality of the world below, which helps you remember 实际上.

Meanings of 实际上

shíjìshàng(shi2ji4shang4)
1in fact
2in reality
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 实际上

实际上Simplified
實際上Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 实际上

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Podcast: 实际上

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AI Study Notes for 实际上

Quick Contrast

实际上 (in fact) vs 事实上 (in fact, as a matter of fact) — use 实际上 for emphasizing the truth of a situation, while 事实上 is more about stating facts.

Usage Notes

Be cautious of using 实际上 in overly casual conversations; it can sound too formal in some contexts. Common collocations include 实际上是 (shíjì shàng shì - in fact is) or 实际上并不 (shíjì shàng bìng bù - actually not). Ensure you use the correct tone pattern as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While 实际上 is not specifically categorized under HSK levels, it connects well with other HSK vocabulary that indicates contrast or clarification, such as 但是 (dànshì - but) or 然而 (rán'ér - however). Focus on using it to transition between ideas in your speaking.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 实际上 with 真的 (zhēn de - really), thinking they can be used interchangeably. For example, saying '我实际真的是去过' (wǒ shíjì zhēn de shì qùguò) is incorrect; it should be '我实际上去过' (wǒ shíjì shàng qùguò) for clarity.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 实际上

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Component Characters

实shíreal
HSK 48 strokes宀
View full entry
际jìborder
7 strokes阝
View full entry
上shàngon top
HSK 13 strokes一
View full entry

How to say in fact in Chinese

“in fact” in Chinese is实际上shíjìshàng

实际上 means 'in fact' or 'in reality.' It is used to clarify or emphasize the truth of a situation, often contrasting with what might be assumed or expected. This phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to introduce a more accurate perspective or to correct a misconception.

When to use 实际上

Be cautious of using 实际上 in overly casual conversations; it can sound too formal in some contexts. Common collocations include 实际上是 (shíjì shàng shì - in fact is) or 实际上并不 (shíjì shàng bìng bù - actually not). Ensure you use the correct tone pattern as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.

实际上 or something close to it

实际上 (in fact) vs 事实上 (in fact, as a matter of fact) — use 实际上 for emphasizing the truth of a situation, while 事实上 is more about stating facts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 实际上 with 真的 (zhēn de - really), thinking they can be used interchangeably. For example, saying '我实际真的是去过' (wǒ shíjì zhēn de shì qùguò) is incorrect; it should be '我实际上去过' (wǒ shíjì shàng qùguò) for clarity.

Write 实际上

实
际
上

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Frequently Asked Questions about 实际上

Yes, starting a sentence with 实际上 is common to introduce a correction or a more accurate statement.

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