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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'actually' or 'in fact' with 其实 (qíshí)

    Connecting Ideas
    Emphasis

    Structure

    其实 + Clause

    Explanation

    The adverb 其实 (qíshí) means 'actually,' 'in fact,' or 'as a matter of fact.' It is used to reveal the truth or correct a misconception, often contrasting appearance with reality. For example, 那其实是一只天狗 means 'that was actually a Tengu.'

    Examples

    • 他看起来很严肃，其实人很好。

      Tā kàn qǐlái hěn yánsù, qíshí rén hěn hǎo.

      He looks very serious, but he's actually a very nice person.

    • 这道题其实并没有那么难。

      Zhè dào tí qíshí bìng méiyǒu nàme nán.

      This problem actually isn't that difficult.

    • 我其实早就知道这件事了。

      Wǒ qíshí zǎo jiù zhīdào zhè jiàn shì le.

      I actually knew about this a long time ago.

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    Expressing 'actually' or 'in fact' with 其实 (qíshí) | Chinese Grammar