shí实realshì事thingsqiú求seekshì是truth
to seek truth from facts; be practical and realistic
Literal meaning
real (实) — things (事) — seek (求) — truth (是)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase emphasizing the importance of basing decisions and actions on facts and reality.
Examples
Wǒ我men们yīng应gāi该shí实shì事qiú求shì是de地fēn分xī析wèn问tí题。
We should analyze problems based on facts.
Shí实shì事qiú求shì是shì是jiě解jué决wèn问tí题de的guān关jiàn键。
Seeking truth from facts is the key to solving problems.
Usage & nuances
Highlights the importance of objectivity and pragmatism.
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