Usage note
其实是一个表示真实情况的词语，常用于纠正误解或说明事实。
qí shí shì yīgè biǎoshì zhēnyí qíngkuàng de cíyǔ, cháng yòng yú jūzhèn miùsī huò shuō míng shì fánlì.
其实 is a word used to state the truth, often correcting misunderstandings or explaining facts.
Context note
其实常用于家庭对话、朋友交流或日常生活中，比如纠正错误观点或分享真实情况。
qí shí cháng yòng yú jiātíng huàdào、péngyǒu jiāocháng huò dāorén rìbān shēngzhōng, bǐrú jūzhèn cuòwù guǎndiǎn huò xiǎnɡfān míngqíng.
其实 is often used in family conversations, friend exchanges, or daily life situations, such as correcting wrong views or sharing true information.
5 examples
其实他不是坏人。
qí shí tā bú shì huài rén。
Actually, he is not a bad person.
其实天气没那么冷。
qí shí tiān qì méi nà me lěng。
Actually, it's not that cold outside.
其实你做得很好。
qí shí nǐ zuò dé hěn hǎo。
Actually, you did very well.
其实我早就知道了。
qí shí wǒ zǎo jiù zhī dào le。
Actually, I knew about it long ago.
其实这个礼物并不贵。
qí shí zhè ge lǐ wù bìng bú guì。
Actually, this gift is not expensive.
5 mini stories
妈妈说其实她不累，只是想休息一下。
mā ma shuō qí shí tā bú lèi， zhǐ shì xiǎng xiū xi yí xià。
Mom said actually she wasn't tired; she just wanted to rest for a while.
爸爸说其实他很喜欢这个玩具。
bà ba shuō qí shí tā hěn xǐ huan zhè ge wán jù。
Dad said actually he really liked this toy.
老师说其实作业并不难，只是需要细心。
lǎo shī shuō qí shí zuò yè bìng bù nán， zhǐ shì xū yào xì xīn。
The teacher said actually the homework wasn't difficult; it just needed to be done carefully.
朋友说其实他很愿意帮忙。
péng yǒu shuō qí shí tā hěn yuàn yì bāng máng。
Friend said actually he was willing to help.
姐姐说其实她已经完成了作业。
jiě jie shuō qí shí tā yǐ jīng wán chéng le zuò yè。
Sister said actually she had already finished her homework.
Mini dialogue
喜欢什么颜色
A
你喜欢红色吗？
Nǐ xǐhuān hóngsè ma?
Do you like red?
B
其实，我更喜欢蓝色。
Qíshí, wǒ gèng xǐhuān lánsè.
Actually, I like blue more.
作业难吗
A
这个作业很难吗？
Zhège zuòyè hěn nán ma?
Is this homework very difficult?
B
其实，一点也不难。
Qíshí, yīdiǎn yě bù nán.
Actually, it's not difficult at all.
Related words and contrasts
similar
本来
běn lái
originally
Shows the real situation, similar to 'actually'.
contrast
表面
biǎo miàn
surface
The outward appearance, which 其实 often contrasts with.