[Learn intermediate Chinese with grammar] How to say “Actually…” and “Anyway…” in Chinese

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How to say “Actually…” in Chinese

其實 ♬ and 事實上 ♬ can both mean “actually.”

Expression	Meaning	Use
其實	actually; in fact	common in speech and writing
事實上	in fact; as a matter of fact	more factual or formal

Use 其實 when you want to give the real situation, especially if it is different from what someone may think. 事實上 sounds more formal and often introduces a fact.

Chinese	Pinyin	English
其實我不太懂這個問題。 ♬	Qíshí wǒ bú tài dǒng zhège wèntí.	Actually, I do not really understand this question.
事實上，這個方法很有效。 ♬	Shìshí shàng, zhège fāngfǎ hěn yǒuxiào.	In fact, this method is very effective.

How to say “Anyway…” in Chinese

反正 ♬ and 不管怎麼說 ♬ can both be close to “anyway,” but they are not the same.

Expression	Meaning	Use
反正	anyway; in any case	casual, often when the result will not change
不管怎麼說	anyway; no matter what	used to return to the main point or conclusion

Use 反正 when other details do not matter much to the final result. Use 不管怎麼說 when you want to make a final point after considering the situation.

Chinese	Pinyin	English
反正我今天沒時間。 ♬	Fǎnzhèng wǒ jīntiān méi shíjiān.	Anyway, I do not have time today.
不管怎麼說，這是一個好機會。 ♬	Bùguǎn zěnme shuō, zhè shì yí ge hǎo jīhuì.	Anyway, this is a good opportunity.

Useful words and example sentences