其实 (qíshí)

其实 means "actually" or "in fact." It introduces the real truth of a situation, often gently correcting a mistaken belief, assumption, or appearance. The speaker signals: what you think is not quite right — here is what is truly the case.

Meanings

[adverb] Actually; in fact; as a matter of fact; in reality — reveals a truth that contrasts with appearance or assumption.

Example Sentences

他看起来很严肃，其实很幽默。 Tā kàn qǐlái hěn yánsù, qíshí hěn yōumò. He looks very serious, but he is actually very humorous.

这道题看起来难，其实很简单。 Zhè dào tí kàn qǐlái nán, qíshí hěn jiǎndān. This question looks difficult, but in fact it is quite easy.

我其实早就知道了，只是没有说。 Wǒ qíshí zǎo jiù zhīdào le, zhǐshì méiyǒu shuō. I actually knew long ago; I just did not say anything.

其实我们并不陌生，以前见过面。 Qíshí wǒmen bìng bù mòshēng, yǐqián jiànguò miàn. Actually, we are not strangers at all; we have met before.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
其实不然	actually that is not the case
其实很简单	actually quite simple
其实并不	actually not at all
说其实	to be honest; to tell the truth
其实是这样	the truth of the matter is this

Memory Hook

其 = "that/the"; 实 = "reality/substance." 其实 points directly at "the reality of things" — the real substance behind what appears on the surface.