Discussion of 其实/其實

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How is 其实 used in conversation?

个学生

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其实 (qí shí) is used in conversation to express that something is true, even though it may not have been expected. It is often used to introduce a statement that is contrary to what was previously thought. For example, 其实 (qí shí) can be used to introduce a statement that is unexpected or surprising, such as "其实 (qí shí)，我不喜欢这个电影" (qí shí, wǒ bù xǐ huān zhè gè diàn yǐng) which translates to "Actually, I don't like this movie".

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What other words are similar to 其实 (qi2shi2)?

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1. 实际上 (shi2ji4 shang4): literally "in reality", meaning "actually, in fact".

2. 事实上 (shi4shi2 shang4): literally "in facts", meaning "actually, in fact".

3. 实在 (shi2zai4): literally "in truth", meaning "actually, in fact".

4. 确实 (que4shi2): literally "indeed", meaning "actually, in fact".

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实际上 VS 其实

In many cases these two are interchangeable. It depends on what you want to emphasize.

实际上 is more objective, based on reality. 其实 is slightly more subjective and is used to expressed personal opinions or judgements.

Example of 实际上: this example below expresses an objective statement. When you use 实际上, it sounds more serious and more based on facts, reality:
学说话的过程实际上就是认识世界的过程。 -/- [phr] The process of learning how to speak is a process of knowing the world.

Examples of 其实: in these two sentences below it's more of a judgement, very subjective:
她看起来十分跋扈，其实也就是一只纸老虎。 r/s [phr] She seemed like quite a bully. In fact, she was just a paper-tiger.
他分明就是不想去，他其实一点也不忙。 r/s [phr] Obviously he did not want to go; in fact, he was not busy at all.

lisaC

Is 其实 used more in spoken or written Chinese?

个学生

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其实 (qí shí) is used more commonly in spoken Chinese than in written Chinese. This is because it is a colloquial term that is often used in casual conversations to express surprise or to provide additional information.

In spoken Chinese, 其实 is often used to emphasize a point or to clarify a misunderstanding. For example, if someone says "我以为你不喜欢吃辣的" (wǒ yǐ wéi nǐ bù xǐ huan chī là de) meaning "I thought you didn't like spicy food," the other person might respond with "其实我很喜欢" (qí shí wǒ hěn xǐ huan) meaning "Actually, I really like it."

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