Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
事实上 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
事实上shìshíshàngin factHSK 3, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #602, Medium
事实上shìshíshàngin realityHSK 3, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #602, Medium
事实上shìshíshàngactuallyHSK 3, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #602, Medium
事实上shìshíshàngas a matter of factHSK 3, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #602, Medium
事实上shìshíshàngde factoHSK 3, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #602, Medium
事实上shìshíshàngipso factoHSK 3, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #602, Medium
shìshíshàng(shi4shi2shang4)shi shi shang T4
  1. 1in fact
  2. 2in reality
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

事实上(事實上)shìshíshàng(shi4shi2shang4)

事实上 (shì shí shàng) is an expression used to emphasize the truth of a statement, often introducing a reality that contrasts with what might be expected or assumed. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to clarify or assert facts, making it a useful phrase in debates, discussions, or explanations.

Strokes19Frequency#602DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, asserting a fact can often be a way to politely counter an argument or misconception. The use of 事实上 indicates a respectful approach to discussing differing views, reflecting the emphasis on harmony in communication.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person holding a magnifying glass (事实) looking closely at the truth (上) of a situation. The magnifying glass represents 'fact,' and as they peer deeper, they discover the reality behind the surface, emphasizing 'in fact.' This visual helps connect the pronunciation to the meaning.

Meanings of 事实上

shìshíshàng(shi4shi2shang4)
1in fact
2in reality
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 事实上 means.

About 事实上

事实上Simplified
事實上Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 事实上

JasonAmy

Podcast: 事实上

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 事实上

Quick Contrast

实际上 (shíjì shang) — use 事实上 when emphasizing the truth of a statement in a more formal context, while 实际上 is more conversational.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using 事实上 in overly formal contexts where simpler phrases would suffice. It is typically used in discussions or arguments and can be paired with phrases like '其实' (qí shí) for emphasis. Be cautious with tones; saying it incorrectly can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

Though not part of HSK vocabulary, 事实上 connects with HSK level 4 terms related to stating opinions or facts. Learners should focus on the usage of this phrase in contrast to other expressions like '其实' and practice integrating it into sentences for clarity.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 事实上 with 其实, using them interchangeably inappropriately. For example, saying '事实上' when a simple '其实' would suffice can sound overly formal. Correct it by assessing the context of the conversation.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 事实上

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 事实上 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 事实上 to You

Let me explain 事实上 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 事实上 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 事实上?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 事实上 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component Characters

事shìmatter
HSK 18 strokes亅
View full entry
实shíreal
HSK 48 strokes宀
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事实上shìshíshàng

事实上 (shì shí shàng) is an expression used to emphasize the truth of a statement, often introducing a reality that contrasts with what might be expected or assumed. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to clarify or assert facts, making it a useful phrase in debates, discussions, or explanations.

When to use 事实上

Common mistakes include using 事实上 in overly formal contexts where simpler phrases would suffice. It is typically used in discussions or arguments and can be paired with phrases like '其实' (qí shí) for emphasis. Be cautious with tones; saying it incorrectly can change the meaning.

事实上 or something close to it

实际上 (shíjì shang) — use 事实上 when emphasizing the truth of a statement in a more formal context, while 实际上 is more conversational.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 事实上 with 其实, using them interchangeably inappropriately. For example, saying '事实上' when a simple '其实' would suffice can sound overly formal. Correct it by assessing the context of the conversation.

Write 事实上

事
实
上

Practice writing 事实上 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 事实上?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Frequently Asked Questions about 事实上

Yes, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts when emphasizing a fact.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 事实上?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab