Definition
实则 is a formal adverb meaning 'actually' or 'in reality', used to introduce a true situation that contrasts with a previous statement or appearance. It is stronger in writing than 其实 and typically appears at the beginning of a clause (before the subject) or right before the verb phrase. You will encounter it in essays, news reports, and formal speeches.
adv.
actuallyin factin reality
Examples
- ，实则。Biǎomiàn shàng kàn hěn jiǎndān, shí zé bùrán.It looks simple on the surface, but in reality it's not.
- ，实则。Tā zuǐ shàng shuō bú jièyì, shí zé xīnli hěn zàihu.He says he doesn't mind, but in fact he cares a lot.
- ，实则。Zǐxì yì chá, shí zé nàge shùjù shì cuò de.Upon careful check, that data is actually wrong.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.