其实 qíshí

1. Actually (in fact)

These meanings come from the same dictionary that powers the Chinese to Pinyin translator and the Chinese to English translator, so a whole sentence containing 其实 will read it the same way this page does.

其实 is written with 2 characters. Chinese words are usually easier to remember once you can see what each part contributes.

These are also written qishi without tone marks. Tones and context are what keep them apart — which is why the tone is part of the word, not an accent on it.

Train the difference in the Tone Trainer or the Similar Sounds Quiz.

What does 其实 mean in English?

其实 is pronounced qíshí and means Actually (in fact).

How do you pronounce 其实?

其实 is qíshí in pinyin — written qishi without tone marks. Press the audio button on this page to hear it spoken by a native voice.

What are the characters in 其实?

其实 is written with 2 characters: 其 (qí) His (her - its - their), 实 (shí) Real (really - true - honest - solid). Knowing the parts is usually how the whole word becomes memorable.

How is 其实 written in traditional Chinese?

其實. The simplified form 其实 is used in mainland China and Singapore; 其實 is used in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. Both are pronounced qíshí.

Is 其实 an HSK word?

Yes — 其实 is on the official HSK 3 vocabulary list. You can study it with the rest of that list on the HSK 3 page.

What words contain 其实?

Common ones include 名副其实 (míng fù qí shí) not just in name only. Each has its own entry on this site.