事实 (shìshí) means 'fact' — something that is objectively true, verifiable, and not based on opinion or imagination. The first character 事 (shì) means 'matter' or 'event', while the second 实 (shí) means 'real', 'true', or 'substantial'. Together, they form a compound noun emphasizing concrete reality: literally 'a real event' or 'a true matter'. This word is commonly used in formal writing, news reports, academic discussion, and everyday reasoning — for instance, when distinguishing between rumors and verified information.

事实 is often paired with verbs like 是 (shì, 'to be'), 揭示 (jiēshì, 'to reveal'), or based on (根据…事实). It frequently appears in phrases like 事实上 (shìshàng, 'in fact') and 事实证明 (shìshí zhèngmíng, 'facts prove that…'). Unlike colloquial alternatives such as 情况 (qíngkuàng, 'situation'), 事实 carries stronger connotations of objectivity and evidence-based truth.