真相
zhēnxiàng
The Chinese word for truth is 真相 (zhēnxiàng).
Meaning: conformity to fact or reality (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 真相 is composed of 真, meaning true and 相, meaning appearance or situation/state.
Which one should you use?
While 真相 is used for the factual truth of a specific event or situation, it differs from 真理, which refers to an abstract, universal or philosophical truth.
How do you pronounce it?
zhēnxiàng
Did you know?
- In Chinese legal and detective dramas, the phrase 真相大白 is often used when the truth finally comes to light, literally meaning the 'truth becomes white'.
- The character 相 in 真相 can also mean 'minister' or 'prime minister', which is why the word literally suggests the 'true form' of a situation.
- In modern internet slang, the term 真相了 is used as a punchline or a reaction when a hidden motive or an ironic reality is suddenly revealed.
Examples in context
- 我知道真相。I know the truth.This sentence is useful for saying you know the truth using 真相.Tatoeba #7771678 by jiangche, translation #258845 by CK
- 我發現了真相。I discovered the truth.This sentence is useful for saying you discovered the truth using 真相.Tatoeba #6095965 by verdastelo9604, translation #690254 by Eldad
- 他似乎知道真相。It seems that he knows the truth.This sentence is useful for saying someone seems to know the truth using 真相.Tatoeba #2052566 by sadhen, translation #299987 by CH
- 我说的是真相What I say is the truth.
- 74 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a mystery in a detective novel.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你想知道真相嗎？Nǐ xiǎng zhīdào zhēnxiàng ma?Do you want to know the truth?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我想知道真相。Wǒ xiǎng zhīdào zhēnxiàng.I want to know the truth.
- 志强 Zhiqiang這本書的真相太驚人了。Zhè běn shū de zhēnxiàng tài jīngrén le.The truth in this book is shocking.
- 佳怡 Jiayi太好了，快告訴我。Tài hǎo le, kuài gàosù wǒ.Great, tell me quickly.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
