真实

• Pinyin: zhēn shí
• Hanzi breakdown: 真 = 十 (ten) + 目 (eye) + lower component, meaning 'true'; 实 = 宀 (roof) + 头 (head), simplified from 實, meaning 'solid, real'

Meaning

Real; true; authentic. Describes something that is genuine and not fake or imaginary.

Used to describe events, feelings, stories, or situations that are factual and genuine. Can modify both concrete and abstract nouns. Opposite of 虚假 (false/fake). Often appears in contexts like 真实的故事 (a true story) or 真实的感受 (genuine feelings).

Examples

1. 这部电影是根据真实的故事改编的。 This movie is adapted from a true story.
2. 请告诉我你真实的想法。 Please tell me your true thoughts.
3. 网上的信息不一定都是真实的。 Information online is not necessarily all true.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, media, discussion

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 这是一个真实的故事。(This is a true story.)
• 她表达了自己真实的感受。(She expressed her genuine feelings.)

Don't Say

• 这个苹果很真实。(Don't use 真实 for physical objects you can touch — use 真的 for 'this apple is real' or 新鲜 for 'fresh'; 真实 is for stories, feelings, and information)

Origin & History

真 (true, real) + 实 (solid, actual). Together they reinforce the meaning of genuineness and authenticity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal