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What Does 实事求是 (shí shì qiú shì) Mean?

实事求是
shí shì qiú shì
Seeking truth from facts · trad. 實事求是
A person's hands meticulously examining a plain, unadorned object, illustrating “seeking truth from facts” in Chinese: 实事求是 (shí shì qiú shì)

Approaching issues with a realistic and objective mindset is the core meaning. It emphasizes seeking truth and understanding based purely on facts, without exaggeration or personal bias. This attitude is crucial for making sound judgments and finding effective solutions.

What does 实事求是 (shí shì qiú shì) mean?

实事求是 (shí shì qiú shì) means "seeking truth from facts" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "seek truth from facts."

Character by character

  • shí real, actual
  • shì matter, fact
  • qiú seek, pursue
  • shì truth, right

When to use it

The idiom describes a pragmatic and objective approach to problems, emphasizing the importance of grounding decisions and actions in concrete evidence. It is often used to commend someone for their rigorous and unbiased work ethic, particularly in fields requiring accuracy like journalism, research, or governance.

Example

他是一丝不苟,实事求是的记者。
Tā shì yìsībùgǒu, shí shì qiú shì de jìzhě.
He is a meticulous and fact-based journalist.
Pro tip: Focuses on the method of investigation and problem-solving, highlighting the importance of empirical evidence and objective analysis rather than merely expressing honesty.

Related idioms

实话实说 · Speaking the honest truth十全十美 · Absolute perfection受宠若惊 · Feeling overwhelmed by favor
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