kei4 sat6其實其实
Jyutpingkei4 sat6
Yalekèih saht
Definition
Actually; in fact; as a matter of fact.
colloquialdescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Use this to introduce a reality that contrasts with a previous assumption or appearance. It functions as a soft pivot in conversation, often signaling that the speaker is about to reveal a deeper truth or a hidden side of a situation. Unlike formal written Chinese, it is frequently placed at the start of a clause to set a tone of candid disclosure.
Examples
He rarely talks, but he is actually quite funny.
Do you think he is busy? Actually, he is slacking off.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean 'currently' or 'at this moment', which is a common error caused by confusing it with Mandarin usage or literal translation. It is strictly for contrasting facts against expectations or claims.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
