如实

• Pinyin: rú shí
• Hanzi breakdown: 如 = 女 + 口 (to follow/as if); 实 = 宀 (roof) + 贯 (string of coins = solid/real) — solid truth

Meaning

Truthfully; according to the facts; as things actually are. Used to describe honest, accurate reporting or recounting without distortion.

Common in legal, investigative, journalistic, and administrative contexts. 如实陈述 (truthful testimony), 如实汇报 (accurate report), 如实反映 (faithfully reflect the situation). Carries a formal, often obligatory tone — one is expected or required to report truthfully.

Examples

1. 在庭审过程中，证人被要求如实陈述自己所目睹的事件经过，不得隐瞒或捏造。 During the trial, the witness was required to truthfully recount what they had seen and must not conceal or fabricate anything.
2. 调查人员希望相关责任人能够如实汇报事故发生时的操作流程，以便查明真相。 Investigators hope the responsible parties can truthfully report the operating procedures at the time of the accident so the truth can be determined.
3. 记者在撰写报道时有职业责任如实反映现实情况，而非一味迎合读者的喜好。 When writing a report, journalists have a professional duty to reflect reality truthfully, rather than simply catering to readers’ preferences.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, journalism, administration, investigation

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 当局要求所有参与人员必须如实填报个人信息，任何虚假申报均将依法追究责任。(The authorities require all participants to truthfully complete their personal information forms; any false declarations will be held legally accountable.)
• 她决定如实向调查组反映所掌握的情况，不为任何一方包庇或开脱。(She decided to truthfully report the information she had to the investigation team, without shielding or excusing any party.)

Don't Say

• 他如实地跑完了全程 — 如实 relates to truthful reporting or recounting, not the manner of physical action; use 认真地 or 顺利地 for describing how an action is carried out

Origin & History

如 (as/according to) + 实 (reality/truth) — as it actually is; truthfully

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal