Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
实际(實際)shíjì(shi2ji4)
实际 (shí jì) refers to the concept of reality or the actual state of things, as opposed to theoretical or ideal situations. It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing practical applications, realistic expectations, or the actual conditions of a situation.
Strokes15Frequency#3240DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese business culture, the concept of 实际 is particularly important, as decisions often need to be based on actual data and practical results rather than theoretical models or assumptions.
Memory Tip
Think of 实 (shí) as a 'real stone' in your hand, representing something tangible and actual, while 际 (jì) could evoke the image of crossing the boundary into reality. Together, they remind you of stepping into the real world where things are as they truly are.
Meanings of 实际
shíjì(shi2ji4)
1actual
2reality
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 实际
实际Simplified
實際Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#3240Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 实际
Podcast: 实际
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 实际
Quick Contrast
实际 (shí jì) vs 现实 (xiàn shí) — use 实际 for practical or factual aspects, while 现实 emphasizes the current state of existence.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of using 实际 in both formal and informal contexts, as it is versatile but may sound too technical if overused in casual conversation. Common collocations include 实际情况 (actual situation) and 实际应用 (practical application). Watch for the correct tones; mispronouncing it as shǐ jì could lead to confusion with a different meaning.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 4, 实际 connects well with other vocabulary relating to concepts of truth and reality, such as 真实 (zhēn shí, true) and 理论 (lǐ lùn, theory). Students should focus on how 实际 is used to contrast theoretical ideas with real-life examples.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 实际 with 理论 (lǐ lùn, theory) and use them interchangeably. For example, saying '实际的理论' (actual theory) is incorrect; instead, use '理论与实际' (theory and practice) to highlight the contrast.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 实际
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 实际 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
实际 (shí jì) refers to the concept of reality or the actual state of things, as opposed to theoretical or ideal situations. It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing practical applications, realistic expectations, or the actual conditions of a situation.
When to use 实际
Be mindful of using 实际 in both formal and informal contexts, as it is versatile but may sound too technical if overused in casual conversation. Common collocations include 实际情况 (actual situation) and 实际应用 (practical application). Watch for the correct tones; mispronouncing it as shǐ jì could lead to confusion with a different meaning.
实际 or something close to it
实际 (shí jì) vs 现实 (xiàn shí) — use 实际 for practical or factual aspects, while 现实 emphasizes the current state of existence.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 实际 with 理论 (lǐ lùn, theory) and use them interchangeably. For example, saying '实际的理论' (actual theory) is incorrect; instead, use '理论与实际' (theory and practice) to highlight the contrast.
Write 实际
实
际
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 实际 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 实际
实际 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 6 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.
