事实上

• Pinyin: shì shí shàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 事 = pictograph of official duties; 实 = 宀 (roof) + 头 (head); 上 = indicator of 'above'

Meaning

In fact; actually; as a matter of fact. A discourse marker used to introduce a correction, clarification, or surprising truth.

Functions as an adverbial phrase that introduces factual information, often contrasting with a previous statement or common assumption. Very common in both spoken and written Chinese, similar to English 'actually' or 'in reality'.

Examples

1. 他看起来很年轻，事实上他已经四十岁了。 He looks very young, but in fact he is already forty years old.
2. 事实上，这个计划早就开始了。 In fact, this plan started a long time ago.
3. 大家以为他不会来，事实上他来得最早。 Everyone thought he wouldn't come, but actually he arrived the earliest.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, academic, debate

Tone: corrective

Do Say

• 事实上，我们已经完成了大部分工作。(In fact, we have already completed most of the work.)
• 事实上，这不是第一次了。(Actually, this isn't the first time.)

Don't Say

• 事实上，我想吃苹果。(Don't use 事实上 when there is no contrast or correction — it should introduce surprising or clarifying information, not random preferences.)

Origin & History

事实 (fact) + 上 (on/upon). Literally 'on the facts', meaning 'based on the actual situation'. A natural extension of 事实 into a discourse marker.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal