sat6 zai3 soeng6實際上实际上
Jyutpingsat6 zai3 soeng6
Yalesaht jai seuhng
Definition
Actually, in fact, or in reality.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Use this to contrast a stated claim or appearance with the true state of affairs. It functions as a formal adverb that often introduces a reality check, making it slightly more serious than the more casual 其實.
Examples
He said he was busy, but in reality, he went out to play.
The pay for this job is low, and in practice, you even have to work overtime.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in very casual, intimate settings where 其實 is much more natural. Overusing it in daily speech can make you sound like you are giving a formal presentation or writing a report.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
