Meaning of 现实
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- reality; actuality
- real; actual
- realistic; pragmatic; materialistic; self-interested
How to use 现实
现实 is most often a noun meaning reality, as in facing reality or the real world. It can also describe a person or attitude as realistic or pragmatic, and sometimes as materialistic or self-interested, so tone and context matter. Example: 我们要面对现实。(Wǒmen yào miànduì xiànshí.) We have to face reality.
现 (xiàn) means to appear or show, as in 出现 (chūxiàn), and 实 (shí) means real or solid, as in 实在 (shízài). What actually shows up in front of you and is solid is 现实 (xiànshí), reality.
Common mistake: Learners often mix up 现实 (xiànshí) with 实现 (shíxiàn). They use the same two characters in reverse order, but 实现 is a verb meaning to achieve or realize a goal, as in 实现梦想 (shíxiàn mèngxiǎng), to make a dream come true.
现实 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
现 xiàn · to appear · 8 strokes
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实 shí · real · 8 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 现实.
| 现在 | xiànzài | now; at present; currently |
| 发现 | fāxiàn | to notice; to become aware of; to discover; to find; to detect |
| 出现 | chūxiàn | to appear; to arise; to emerge; to show up |
| 实在 | shízài | really; actually |
| 实现 | shíxiàn | to achieve; to implement; to realize; to bring about |
| 实际 | shíjì | reality; practice |
| 实习 | shíxí | to practice; field work |
| 其实 | qíshí | actually; in fact; really |
| 确实 | quèshí | indeed; really |
| 事实 | shìshí | fact |
| 事实上 | shìshíshang | in fact; in reality |
| 表现 | biǎoxiàn | to show; to show off |
Questions about 现实
What does 现实 mean?
现实 (xiànshí) means "reality; actuality; real; actual" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 现实?
现实 is made of 2 characters: 现 (8 strokes), 实 (8 strokes). That is 16 strokes in total.
Is 现实 an HSK word?
Yes. 现实 is on the HSK 3 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 现实 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 现实 is written 現實.
What is the difference between 现实 and 实际?
Both can mean reality, but 现实 stresses the real world as opposed to dreams or ideals, like 理想和现实 (lǐxiǎng hé xiànshí), ideals and reality. 实际 (shíjì) stresses practical facts or actual conditions, as in 实际情况 (shíjì qíngkuàng), the actual situation.
Is it rude to call someone 很现实?
It can be. Saying 他很现实 (tā hěn xiànshí) often implies the person cares mainly about money or personal gain, though in some contexts it just means practical. Use it carefully when talking about people.