实在 shí zài
“really; actually; indeed”
adverb, adjectiveHSK 4 · 2021 list level 2Traditional 實在
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
实在 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 1662: 实在 shízài — Level 4; official annotation 4 (形、副). PDF page 121
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 实在
实在 has two common uses. As an adverb it means "really, truly, indeed" and stresses a strong feeling, fact, or difficulty, usually before an adjective or verb, often in 实在太… or 实在不…. As an adjective it means "honest, genuine, down-to-earth," describing a person or attitude, as in 他这个人很实在.
例句Example sentences
- 我今天实在太累了，想早点回家。wǒ jīn tiān shí zài tài lèi le, xiǎng zǎo diǎn huí jiā.I'm really too tired today and want to go home early.
- 他实在不知道应该怎么回答。tā shí zài bù zhī dao yīng gāi zěn me huí dá.He really doesn't know how he should answer.
- 他这个人很实在，从来不说假话。tā zhè ge rén hěn shí zài, cóng lái bù shuō jiǎ huà.He is a very genuine person and never tells lies.