其实 (qíshí) — actually, in fact

其实 (qíshí)

其实 is an adverb meaning "actually" or "in fact." It typically introduces a statement that corrects a misunderstanding, reveals a truth, or contrasts with what someone assumed. It often appears at the start of a clause.

Meanings

1. [adverb] Actually, in fact (introduces a correction or revelation).

Example Sentences

他看起来很严格，其实很好相处。 Tā kàn qǐlái hěn yángé, qíshí hěn hǎo xiāngchǔ. He looks very strict, but actually he is easy to get along with.

其实我不太喜欢吃辣的。 Qíshí wǒ bù tài xǐhuān chī là de. Actually, I don't really like eating spicy food.

我以为他不来，其实他来了。 Wǒ yǐwéi tā bù lái, qíshí tā lái le. I thought he wasn't coming; in fact he did come.

这道题其实很简单。 Zhè dào tí qíshí hěn jiǎndān. This question is actually very simple.

Collocations

Memory Hook

其 (that, the said thing) + 实 (real/true): "the real thing" behind the appearance. Whenever you lift a curtain to show reality, use 其实.