thực hư
Definition
- Noun:
- Truth and falsehood / fact and fiction: The core meaning of "thực hư" refers to the dualistic concept of what is true, factual, or real versus what is false, fabricated, or unreal. It is used to question or describe the veracity and actual state of a matter.
- The real situation: It often points to the genuine facts or the objective reality behind rumors, reports, or appearances.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Chúng tôi chưa rõ thực hư của tin đồn này. (We do not yet know the truth [the fact and fiction] of this rumor.)
- Cần xác minh thực hư của vụ việc. (It is necessary to verify the facts [the real situation] of the incident.)
- Thực hư câu chuyện thế nào? (What is the truth [the real story] of the matter?)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in formal or investigative contexts, such as journalism, police work, or general inquiry, to emphasize the need to distinguish reality from deception.
- It can function as the object of verbs like biết (to know), rõ (to be clear about), xác minh (to verify), điều tra (to investigate), and làm rõ (to clarify).
Variants and Related Words
- Sự thật (n): the truth, the fact. This is a more common and direct word for "truth," whereas "thực hư" inherently contrasts truth with falsehood.
- Anh ấy đã nói sự thật. (He told the truth.)
- Tính xác thực (n): authenticity, veracity. Refers more to the quality of being genuine.
- Tính xác thực của tài liệu đang bị nghi ngờ. (The authenticity of the document is in doubt.)
Synonyms
- Truth and falsehood
- Fact and fiction
- The real story
- The actual facts
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Chưa biết thực hư ra sao: To not know exactly what is true and what is false; to be uncertain about the facts.
- Vụ án vẫn đang điều tra, công chúng chưa biết thực hư ra sao. (The case is still under investigation; the public does not yet know the truth of the matter.)
- Làm rõ thực hư: To clarify what is true and what is false.
- Cơ quan chức năng đang làm rõ thực hư. (The authorities are clarifying the facts.)