真相

• Pinyin: zhēn xiàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 真 = true/real; 相 = appearance/aspect

Meaning

The truth; the real situation; the facts. What actually happened as opposed to what appears to be the case.

Used when uncovering facts about events, scandals, or mysteries. Common phrases: 揭露真相 (expose the truth), 真相大白 (the truth comes to light), 事情的真相 (the truth of the matter). Often appears in news and detective contexts.

Examples

1. 记者经过调查终于发现了事件的真相。 After investigation, the journalist finally discovered the truth about the incident.
2. 他决定向公众公布真相。 He decided to reveal the truth to the public.
3. 真相大白之后，所有人都震惊了。 After the truth came to light, everyone was shocked.

Usage Guide

Context: news, investigations, disputes

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 我只想知道真相。(I just want to know the truth.)
• 真相终于浮出水面了。(The truth finally surfaced.)

Don't Say

• 真相的事实 (Redundant — 真相 already means facts/truth)

Origin & History

Compound of 真 (true, real) and 相 (appearance, aspect). The true appearance of things.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal