实际上 · 实际 + 名词
in fact, actually: what is really true, often against how things look
Structure
……，实际上 …… · 实际 + 名词
What it means
实际上 means “in fact, actually”: it brings in what is really true, often against how things look. 实际 on its own means “actual, real”.
How it is built
How it looks，实际上 + the truth: 他看起来很年轻，实际上已经五十岁了 (He looks young, but in fact he’s fifty). 实际 + noun: 实际情况 (the real situation).
When to use it
Often follows 看起来. 实际上 goes at the start of its clause, before or after the subject. 其实 means much the same and is a little more casual.
Watch out
It is not a softener like English “Actually, could I…?”: 实际上 only brings in what is really the case, usually against an impression.
Examples
他看起来很年轻，实际上已经五十岁了。
He looks young, but in fact he’s already fifty.
这种保险看起来不贵，实际上费用不低。
This insurance looks cheap, but actually it costs quite a lot.
实际情况跟我们想的不一样。
The real situation isn’t what we thought.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 27: 存钱 (Saving money)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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