如实

rúshí

as things really are

HSK 7

漢字分解

Meaning and Usage

The adverb 如实 (rúshí) means "truthfully" or "as it really is." It is used to emphasize that something is done or reported honestly and without distortion.

Common Contexts

如实 is often used in formal or official contexts, such as reporting facts, filling out forms, or giving testimony. It stresses accuracy and honesty.

Typical Collocations

  • 如实回答 (answer truthfully): used when requesting honest answers.
  • 如实描述 (describe truthfully): used when recounting events or facts.
  • 如实填写 (fill out truthfully): used for forms or documents.

Nuances

Using 如实 implies a moral or legal obligation to be honest. It is stronger than simply "truthfully" in casual speech and often appears in written or formal spoken Chinese.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 如实 with 真实 (zhēnshí), which means "real" or "true" as an adjective. 如实 is an adverb modifying verbs to indicate truthful action.

例文

请你如实回答我的问题,不要隐瞒。

Qǐng nǐ rúshí huídá wǒ de wèntí, bùyào yǐnmán.

Please answer my questions truthfully, don't hide anything.

他如实地描述了事故发生的经过。

Tā rúshí de miáoshù le shìgù fāshēng de jīngguò.

He truthfully described the process of the accident.

在填写表格时,要如实填写个人信息。

Zài tiánxiě biǎogé shí, yào rúshí tiánxiě gèrén xìnxī.

When filling out the form, you must fill in your personal information