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Summary: Learn the Chinese word 真实 (zhēnshí), a key term meaning “real,” “true,” or “authentic.” This page explores how 真实 goes beyond a simple “not fake” to describe the genuineness of stories, the sincerity of emotions, and the factual basis of information. Discover its cultural importance, see practical examples, and learn the crucial difference between 真实 (zhēnshí) and the more casual 真的 (zhēn de) to make your Chinese sound more natural and precise.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): zhēnshí
Part of Speech: Adjective, Noun
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: Conforming to objective reality or fact; genuine and not fabricated.
In a Nutshell:真实 (zhēnshí) is the word you use when you want to describe something as being factually correct, genuinely felt, or authentically portrayed. Think less about a “real” diamond (vs. a fake one) and more about a “true” story, “real” feelings, or “authentic” data. It carries a weight of substance and verifiability.
Character Breakdown
真 (zhēn): This character means “real,” “true,” or “genuine.” It represents something that is not counterfeit or false.
实 (shí): This character means “solid,” “substantial,” “fact,” or “reality.” It evokes the image of something with substance and a solid foundation.
When combined, 真实 (zhēnshí) literally means “true and solid.” This powerful combination emphasizes that something is not just an illusion but is grounded in fact and reality. It is true in a substantial, verifiable way.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, 真实 (zhēnshí) is a highly valued quality in both information and personal character. While concepts like “face” (面子 miànzi) might sometimes encourage social harmony over blunt honesty, the underlying ideal in relationships, journalism, and history is a deep respect for what is 真实.
Comparison to “Real”: In English, “real” can be used very broadly. We can have a “real problem,” “real gold,” or say “For real?”. 真实 (zhēnshí) is more specific. It's rarely used for physical objects (you'd use 真的 zhēn de for “real gold”) and is almost never used as a casual interjection. Instead, 真实 is used to qualify abstract nouns: stories, emotions, reports, and situations. It's about conceptual authenticity and factual accuracy, reflecting a philosophical appreciation for truth that is grounded and proven.
Practical Usage in Modern China
真实 is a common and important word in both formal and informal contexts, though it carries a more descriptive and slightly more formal weight than its cousin, 真的 (zhēn de).
In News and Academia: Journalists and scholars strive for 真实 reports (真实的报道) and data (真实的数据). It implies a commitment to objectivity and fact-checking. A historical drama might be praised for its 真实感 (zhēnshí gǎn), or “sense of realism.”
In Art and Media: A movie might be advertised as being “based on a true story” (根据真实事件改编 gēnjù zhēnshí shìjiàn gǎibiān). A painter or video game designer might be praised for creating a 真实 world that feels lifelike and believable.
In Personal Relationships: When discussing emotions, you might talk about your “真实的想法 (zhēnshí de xiǎngfǎ)“—your “true thoughts” or “real feelings.” It implies you are dropping any pretense and speaking from the heart.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
这个故事是真实的。
Pinyin: Zhè ge gùshi shì zhēnshí de.
English: This story is true.
Analysis: Here, 真实 is used as an adjective to state that the story's content is based on actual events.
Example 2:
电影反映了战争的真实面貌。
Pinyin: Diànyǐng fǎnyìng le zhànzhēng de zhēnshí miànmào.
English: The movie reflects the true face of war.
Analysis: 真实 describes the “face” or “appearance” (面貌) of war, meaning it was portrayed authentically, without glorification.
Example 3:
我想知道你真实的想法是什么。
Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng zhīdào nǐ zhēnshí de xiǎngfǎ shì shénme.
English: I want to know what your real thoughts are.
Analysis: This is a common way to ask someone for their genuine, unvarnished opinion or feelings.
Analysis: Here, 真实 is used as a noun to mean “reality” or “the truth.” It's a more literary alternative to 现实 (xiànshí).
Example 8:
记者必须保证报道的真实性。
Pinyin: Jìzhě bìxū bǎozhèng bàodào de zhēnshí xìng.
English: Journalists must guarantee the authenticity of their reports.
Analysis: The suffix 性 (-xìng) turns the adjective 真实 into a noun, “真实性 (zhēnshí xìng),” meaning “authenticity” or “veracity.”
Example 9:
我昨晚做了一个非常真实的梦。
Pinyin: Wǒ zuówǎn zuò le yí ge fēicháng zhēnshí de mèng.
English: I had a very realistic dream last night.
Analysis: This describes the quality of the dream, emphasizing how lifelike and vivid it felt.
Example 10:
这个游戏引擎能渲染出非常真实的光影效果。
Pinyin: Zhè ge yóuxì yǐnqíng néng xuànrǎn chū fēicháng zhēnshí de guāngyǐng xiàoguǒ.
English: This game engine can render very realistic lighting and shadow effects.
Analysis: A modern, technical use of 真实 to describe the realism of computer-generated graphics.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is confusing 真实 (zhēnshí) with 真的 (zhēn de). They are not interchangeable.
真实 (zhēnshí): Adjective/Noun - It describes the *quality* of something. It answers the question, “What kind of story/feeling/data is it?” (It's a *true* one).
Correct: 这是一个真实的故事。 (Zhè shì yí ge zhēnshí de gùshi.) - This is a true story.
Incorrect: 这是一个真的故事。 (This sounds awkward and uneducated, like saying “This is a really story” in English.)
真的 (zhēn de): Adverb/Affirmation - It is used to emphasize a verb or adjective (“really”), or to affirm a statement (“it's true”).
Correct: 我真的很高兴。 (Wǒ zhēn de hěn gāoxìng.) - I am really happy.
“False Friend” with “Real”: Do not use 真实 as a casual interjection like “Real?” or “For real?”. For that, you must use 真的吗? (zhēn de ma?).
Related Terms and Concepts
真的 (zhēn de) - A more colloquial adverb meaning “really” or an affirmation meaning “it's true.” The most important term to distinguish from 真实.
事实 (shìshí) - A noun meaning “fact.” A 真实 story is one that is based on 事实.
实在 (shízài) - An adverb meaning “really” or “truly” (similar to 真的). As an adjective, it can describe a person as “honest” or “dependable.”
真诚 (zhēnchéng) - An adjective meaning “sincere” or “heartfelt.” It describes a person's character or emotions. A 真诚 apology is a type of 真实 emotion.
虚假 (xūjiǎ) - The direct antonym of 真实. It means “false,” “fake,” or “fabricated.”
现实 (xiànshí) - A noun meaning “reality” or “real life.” 真实 can be used as a noun for “reality,” but 现实 is more common and refers to the state of the world we live in.
逼真 (bīzhēn) - An adjective meaning “lifelike” or “realistic.” It's used almost exclusively for art, models, imitations, or simulations that look very real.
地道 (dìdao) - An adjective meaning “authentic” in a cultural sense, e.g., “authentic Beijing cuisine” (地道的北京菜). It's about being true to a local style, not about factual accuracy.