其实qíshí

Modal Adverb 其实 (qíshí): Actually / In fact

Meaning: Actually, in fact, as a matter of fact

Pattern

其实 means "actually / in fact / as a matter of fact".
Speakers use it to correct a false impression or share the real truth behind appearances.
Its position is flexible: it can stand at the beginning of a clause (其实，我也不知道答案) or after the subject and before the verb/adjective (他其实很善良).
Unlike 实际上 (which is more objective), 其实 feels personal and conversational, often used to confide in the listener or soften a disagreement.
Never place 其实 after the main verb.

1
其实我也不知道答案。
Qíshí wǒ yě bù zhīdào dá'àn.
Actually, I don't know the answer either.
2
看起来他很冷漠，其实他很善良。
Kàn qǐlái tā hěn lěngmò, qíshí tā hěn shànliáng.
He looks very aloof, but actually he is very kind-hearted.
3
其实这件事并不难。
Qíshí zhè jiàn shì bìng bù nán.
Actually, this matter is not difficult at all.

•其实 stands at the start of a clause or after the subject, used to gently correct an impression or reveal the truth.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

•Placing 其实 after the verb instead of before the predicate or at the start of the sentence.

•Using 其实 in a plain factual statement where there is no contrast with prior expectations.

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