Definition
现实 (xiàn shí) as an adjective means 'realistic, practical' — focused on what is achievable in real life. It contrasts with 实际 (shí jì), which emphasizes 'actual, concrete' facts or practice (as opposed to theory), and with 实用 (shí yòng), which means 'functional, useful' in a hands-on way. As a noun, 现实 simply means 'reality'.
noun
realityactual situation(adjective, often derog.) materialisticoverly concerned with personal gain
adjective
realisticpractical
Easily confused
- 显示xiǎn shìsound-aliketo show, to display, to demonstrate
Examples
- 现实。Wǒmen bìxū yào miànduì xiàn shí.We must face reality.
- 现实，。Zhège fāng'àn hěn xiàn shí, kěyǐ mǎshàng zhíxíng.This plan is very realistic and can be executed immediately.
- 现实，。Tā tài xiàn shí le, zhǐ xiǎngzhe zhuàn qián.He is too materialistic — he only thinks about making money.
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