What Does 其实 (qí shí) Mean in Chinese?
Traditional: 其實Enhanced context lessonCommon
Actually / In fact
Quick answer: What does 其实 mean?
其实 — 其实 introduces a fact that corrects an assumption or reveals what the speaker really thinks.
✓Actually…
✓In fact…
✓The truth is…
What Chinese people actually mean
It often softens a confession or correction. It does not automatically mean the earlier statement was a lie.
Literal meaning
Literally, in fact or actually.
When not to use it
Do not assume 其实 always contradicts the listener; it can introduce a gentle clarification.
Common mistakes
- It adds what the speaker considers the real situation.
Chinese characters
Open each character to see its own meanings and vocabulary links.
Real conversations
1 · Admitting confusion
A: 你喜欢这部电影吗？
nǐ xǐhuan zhè bù diànyǐng ma?
A: Did you like the movie?
B: 其实我没看懂。
qíshí wǒ méi kàn dǒng.
B: Actually, I didn’t understand it.
2 · Correcting an assumption
A: 你是不是不想去？
nǐ shì bú shì bù xiǎng qù?
A: Is it that you don’t want to go?
B: 其实我想去，只是明天没时间。
qíshí wǒ xiǎng qù, zhǐshì míngtiān méi shíjiān.
B: I do want to go, actually; I’m just busy tomorrow.
How to pronounce 其实
其实
Tap to hear Mandarin.
When to use it
✓Can preface a gentle correction or personal truth.
✓Often contrasts with what the listener assumes.
✓It is common in speech and writing.
Sources and editorial note
Base dictionary data: CC-CEDICT · CC BY-SA 4.0.Context lesson: Original Chinese Meaning context lesson; examples written for this site.