其实、当然
actually (the truth is different) · of course
Structure
其实 + 句子 · 当然 （+ 动词）
What it means
其实 brings in the real situation after something that seemed different: “actually, in fact”. 当然 means “of course”.
How it is built
其实 + sentence: 大家都以为他是老师，其实他是学生. 当然 alone or + verb: ——你会来吗？——当然会！ (“Will you come?” “Of course!”)
When to use it
其实 often follows 以为 (“thought, wrongly”) or a polite compliment: 哪里，其实我才学了两年. Both go at the start or right after the subject.
Watch out
Don’t use 其实 as a filler like English “actually”: use it only when the truth differs from what was said or thought.
Examples
汉语其实没有那么难。
Chinese actually isn’t that hard.
大家都以为他是老师，其实他是学生。
Everyone thought he was a teacher; actually he’s a student.
——你会来吗？——当然会！
“Will you come?” “Of course!”
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 2: 新邻居 (Neighbours)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
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