In 15 Seconds
- Use it to reveal a truth or clarify a situation.
- Place it at the start of a sentence or after the subject.
- Perfect for gentle corrections or sharing personal secrets.
Meaning
It is a way to reveal the truth or share a secret. Use it when you want to clarify something or admit how you really feel.
Key Examples
3 of 6Correcting a friend's assumption
其实，我不喜欢喝奶茶。
Actually, I don't like drinking milk tea.
Admitting a mistake to a colleague
其实，我还没做完那个报告。
Actually, I haven't finished that report yet.
Texting a crush
其实，我一直想约你吃饭。
Actually, I've been wanting to ask you out for dinner.
Cultural Background
The phrase literally translates to 'the truth of it.' It reflects a Chinese communication style where the 'real' message is often introduced after a bit of preamble to maintain social harmony.
The 'Softener' Effect
Use `其实` before giving bad news or a correction. It makes you sound much more polite and less blunt.
Don't Overdo It
If you use it in every sentence, you might sound like you're hiding something or being argumentative.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to reveal a truth or clarify a situation.
- Place it at the start of a sentence or after the subject.
- Perfect for gentle corrections or sharing personal secrets.
What It Means
其实 is your go-to word for 'actually' or 'in fact.' It acts like a bridge between what people think and the real truth. Think of it as peeling back a layer of an onion. You use it to clarify a misunderstanding or share a hidden fact. It sounds natural and very human.
How To Use It
Place 其实 right at the start of your sentence or after the subject. It works just like 'actually' in English. You can say 其实我不喜欢咖啡 (Actually, I don't like coffee). It is simple and doesn't require complex grammar. It often pairs with 但是 (but) to create a contrast. For example, 'I thought he was mean, but actually he is nice.'
When To Use It
Use it when you are correcting someone gently. Use it when you are confessing a small secret to a friend. It is perfect for business meetings when you need to provide more data. It works great in texts when you change your mind. It makes you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if the fact is already obvious to everyone. Avoid using it too many times in one conversation. It can start to sound like you are constantly correcting people. If you are just stating a direct fact without contrast, skip it. For example, don't say 'Actually, the sun is hot' unless someone just said it was cold.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often values indirectness and 'saving face.' 其实 is a polite tool for this. It allows you to disagree without being aggressive. It softens the blow of a correction. By saying 'actually,' you shift the focus to the fact rather than the person's mistake. It is a very 'socially intelligent' word in Chinese society.
Common Variations
In very casual speech, you might hear people just say 其实吧 (Actually...). The 吧 adds a thoughtful, lingering tone. In more formal writing, you might see 事实上 (In reality). However, 其实 is the king of daily conversation. It is versatile, friendly, and works in almost 90% of situations.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral, high-frequency word. It can be placed before or after the subject, but always before the verb/adjective it describes.
The 'Softener' Effect
Use `其实` before giving bad news or a correction. It makes you sound much more polite and less blunt.
Don't Overdo It
If you use it in every sentence, you might sound like you're hiding something or being argumentative.
The Hidden 'No'
In China, people often say `其实...` followed by a hesitation when they want to say 'no' without being rude.
Examples
6其实，我不喜欢喝奶茶。
Actually, I don't like drinking milk tea.
Used here to clarify a personal preference that others might assume.
其实，我还没做完那个报告。
Actually, I haven't finished that report yet.
Softens the confession of a pending task.
其实，我一直想约你吃饭。
Actually, I've been wanting to ask you out for dinner.
Adds a sense of vulnerability and honesty to a confession.
其实，我是一只猫。
Actually, I am a cat.
Used in a joking way to reveal a 'secret' identity.
其实我们早就认识了。
Actually, we have known each other for a long time.
Clarifies the relationship between two people.
其实去那里很方便。
Actually, it's very convenient to go there.
Provides helpful information that contradicts a worry.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to say 'Actually, I don't know.'
___，我不知道。
`其实` means 'actually,' which fits the context of revealing a fact.
Where should `其实` go in this sentence about being tired?
我 ___ 很累。
`其实` can be placed after the subject `我` to mean 'I am actually very tired.'
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '其实'
Used with friends and family.
其实我不饿。
Standard daily use.
其实这个不贵。
Appropriate for work or meetings.
其实我们可以换个方式。
Where to use '其实'
Correcting a mistake
其实那是我的。
Revealing a secret
其实我中奖了。
Changing plans
其实我不想去了。
Giving advice
其实你可以试试这个。
Practice Bank
2 exercises___，我不知道。
`其实` means 'actually,' which fits the context of revealing a fact.
我 ___ 很累。
`其实` can be placed after the subject `我` to mean 'I am actually very tired.'
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is the most direct equivalent. It is used to introduce a fact that might be unexpected, like 其实他很有钱 (Actually, he is very rich).
No, 其实 must come before the statement it modifies. You cannot say 我不喜欢其实.
Yes, it is perfectly fine. It is a neutral term that works in both casual chats and professional writing.
事实上 is more formal, like 'in point of fact.' 其实 is much more common in spoken conversation.
Yes! It's a great way to grab attention, like 其实，这件事很奇怪 (Actually, this matter is quite strange).
Usually, no. It actually sounds softer than just saying 'You are wrong.' It focuses on the truth, not the error.
Not really a shorter word, but in fast speech, the i sound in qi can be very brief.
Yes, it often follows 但是 (but). For example: 我很想去，但是其实我没时间 (I want to go, but actually I don't have time).
No, it is a standard vocabulary word that everyone uses, from children to CEOs.
Put a slight emphasis on 其 (qí) and keep 实 (shí) steady. Don't rush it if you want to sound thoughtful.
Related Phrases
实际上
In reality / In fact (more formal)
说实话
To tell the truth
其实不然
Actually that's not the case
本来
Originally / At first
