HSK 7-9
真是的
zhēn shì de
Really! (expressing mild annoyance)
Structure
(Subject +) 真是的 / 真是的 + (Clause)
How it works
This phrase is used to express dissatisfaction, mild annoyance, or frustration towards someone's behavior. It is often spoken as an independent exclamation at the beginning or end of a sentence to convey that the speaker finds a situation unreasonable or bothersome.
Examples
你怎么又把钥匙给弄丢了，真是的！
Nǐ zěnme yòu bǎ yàoshi gěi nòng diū le, zhēn shì de!
How could you lose your keys again? Honestly!
真是的，说好了八点见，他到现在还没来。
Zhēn shì de, shuō hǎo le bā diǎn jiàn, tā dào xiànzài hái méi lái.
Really! We agreed to meet at eight, and he still hasn't shown up.
这孩子，玩得满身都是泥巴，真是的。
Zhè háizi, wán de mǎnshēn dōu shì níbā, zhēn shì de.
This kid, covered in mud from playing... honestly.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse this with '是真的' (it is true); '真是的' is purely an emotional modal particle for expressing complaints.
Tip
Think of it as the Chinese equivalent of 'Honestly!' or 'Give me a break!' Pay attention to the tone, which should sound slightly exasperated.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 真是的 in real Chinese
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