实际

shíjì · HSK 2

practical

实 = real/solid + 际 = boundary/edge → 'actual edge of things' = practical

实 means real or solid; 际 means boundary or interval. Together: the real boundary of a situation — what is actually the case, hence 'practical' or 'literal'. Compare with 实在 (truly) and 际遇 (circumstances).

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