事实

• Pinyin: shì shí
• Hanzi breakdown: 事 = pictograph of a hand holding a writing instrument; 实 = 宀 (roof) + 头 (head), meaning solid or real under a roof

Meaning

Fact; reality. Refers to something that has actually happened or is objectively true.

Used to state or emphasise objective truths. Common in arguments, academic writing, and news reporting. Often paired with 证明 (prove) or 说明 (show). The phrase 事实上 (in fact) is a very common discourse marker.

Examples

1. 事实证明他的方法是正确的。 The facts proved that his method was correct.
2. 我们应该尊重事实，不要说假话。 We should respect the facts and not tell lies.
3. 这些事实说明了问题的严重性。 These facts demonstrate the seriousness of the problem.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, debate, news

Tone: assertive

Do Say

• 事实很清楚，不需要再解释了。(The facts are clear; no further explanation is needed.)
• 你不能忽视这些事实。(You can't ignore these facts.)

Don't Say

• 我觉得这是一个事实。(Avoid using 觉得 (I think) with 事实 — facts are objective, not opinions. Say 这是事实 directly.)

Origin & History

事 means 'matter' and 实 means 'solid' or 'real'. Together they convey the idea of matters that are real and verifiable.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal