actually; in fact
HSK level
其实 is written with 16 strokes (其: 8, 实: 8). The animation replays automatically.
其实 (qíshí) is an adverb meaning 'actually,' 'in fact,' or 'as a matter of fact.'
Speakers use it to introduce a truth that corrects, qualifies, or contrasts with what was just said or assumed. It typically sits at the beginning of the clause, before the subject or right after it: 其实我不饿 or 我其实不饿 ('actually I'm not hungry'). Two notes for English speakers: first, 其实 is softer and more conversational than English 'in fact' — it signals 'here's the real story' without sounding aggressive. Second, don't confuse it with 实际上 (shíjì shàng, 'in actuality / practically speaking'), which is more formal and analytical.
其实 fits everyday speech; 实际上 fits written reports. Common opener: 其实我也不知道 ('honestly, I don't know either'). Useful to soften disagreement.
Character by character
Memory hook: Its + truth = the actual truth of the matter = actually.
其实 appears in 4 Fluentide podcast episodes at natural native speed — each with the full Chinese script, pinyin, and line-by-line English translation.
其实我也不知道。
Qíshí wǒ yě bù zhīdào.
Honestly, I don't know either.
spoken
你觉得很难，其实很简单。
Nǐ juéde hěn nán, qíshí hěn jiǎndān.
You think it's hard, but actually it's very easy.
spoken
他看起来很忙，其实没什么事。
Tā kàn qǐlái hěn máng, qíshí méi shénme shì.
He looks busy, but actually he doesn't have much going on.
neutral
其实我不太喜欢这部电影。
Qíshí wǒ bú tài xǐhuan zhè bù diànyǐng.
Actually, I don't really like this movie.
spoken
其实你说得对，是我错了。
Qíshí nǐ shuō de duì, shì wǒ cuò le.
Actually, you're right — I was wrong.
spoken
实际上 ('in actuality') is more formal and analytical, common in writing or business talk. 其实 is everyday spoken. 'Actually, I disagree' in friendly chat = 其实我不同意; in a report = 实际上我们不同意.
事实上 ('in fact, as a fact') emphasizes evidence or hard reality. 其实 is gentler and used to share personal truth or correct misunderstanding. Use 事实上 when citing facts; 其实 when offering perspective.
确实 means 'indeed / certainly' — it confirms something is true. 其实 contrasts with or corrects an assumption. 'It's indeed difficult' = 确实很难; 'actually it's not difficult' = 其实不难.
Acquire it by listening
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