事实上

• 拼音: shì shí shàng
• 汉字拆解: 事 = pictograph of official duties; 实 = 宀 (roof) + 头 (head); 上 = indicator of 'above'

含义

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'.

例句

1. 他看起来很年轻，事实上他已经四十岁了。
2. 事实上，这个计划早就开始了。
3. 大家以为他不会来，事实上他来得最早。

用法指南

语境: everyday, academic, debate

语气: corrective

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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.)

起源与历史

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.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal