真是 (zhēnshi) is an expression used to emphasize a strong feeling, often translating to 'really' or 'truly' in English. It is commonly used to express surprise, frustration, or admiration in conversational contexts, often preceding an adjective or statement to heighten the sentiment.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
zhēnshi(zhen1shi4) T1
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May 27, 2026
真是zhēnshi(zhen1shi4)
真是 (zhēnshi) is an expression used to emphasize a strong feeling, often translating to 'really' or 'truly' in English. It is commonly used to express surprise, frustration, or admiration in conversational contexts, often preceding an adjective or statement to heighten the sentiment.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing strong emotions is common in casual conversations, and phrases like 真是 help convey sincerity and enthusiasm, which are valued in interpersonal communication.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person exclaiming '真是!' while witnessing something amazing, like a breathtaking view. The character '真' (really) resembles an eye, symbolizing seeing something impressive, while '是' (is) reinforces affirmation, creating a vivid connection to the idea of truly experiencing something remarkable.
About 真是
真是Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 真是
Podcast: 真是
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AI Study Notes for 真是
Quick Contrast
真的 (zhēn de) vs 真是 (zhēnshi): use 真的 to affirm the truth of a statement, whereas 真是 emphasizes strong feelings or reactions.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person exclaiming '真是!' while witnessing something amazing, like a breathtaking view. The character '真' (really) resembles an eye, symbolizing seeing something impressive, while '是' (is) reinforces affirmation, creating a vivid connection to the idea of truly experiencing something remarkable.
Usage Notes
Learners often misuse 真是 by placing it in formal contexts where a more subdued expression would be appropriate. It is primarily used in informal conversations, and it's essential to pair it with adjectives or descriptive phrases to convey feelings effectively.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK 7, students should focus on using 真是 to enhance their expressive capabilities in conversation. It often accompanies other advanced vocabulary, so learners should practice incorporating it with adjectives they already know to form impactful statements.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing strong emotions is common in casual conversations, and phrases like 真是 help convey sincerity and enthusiasm, which are valued in interpersonal communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes say '我真是高兴' (I really am happy), which sounds awkward. The correct expression would be '我真高兴' (I am really happy). Additionally, some may mistakenly think it can be used in formal contexts, which is not appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 真是
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Cultural Notes for 真是
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, expressing strong emotions is common in casual conversations, and phrases like 真是 help convey sincerity and enthusiasm, which are valued in interpersonal communication.
Frequently Asked Questions about 真是
It's better to avoid using 真是 in formal writing; it is primarily conversational.
While it translates to 'really' or 'truly', its usage often conveys stronger emotions than its English counterparts.
Yes, but it works best with adjectives that convey strong emotions or opinions.
