确实

• Pinyin: què shí
• Hanzi breakdown: 确 = 石 (stone) + 角 (horn/corner), suggesting firmness; 实 = 宀 (roof) + 头 (head), simplified from 實, meaning solid or real

Meaning

Indeed; truly; really. Used to confirm or emphasize that something is true or factual.

Functions as an adverb to affirm the truth of a statement, or as an adjective meaning 'true, reliable.' Often used to acknowledge someone else's point or to emphasize personal experience. More formal and emphatic than 真的.

Examples

1. 这家餐厅的菜确实很好吃。 The food at this restaurant is indeed delicious.
2. 今天确实比昨天冷多了。 Today is indeed much colder than yesterday.
3. 他说的确实是对的。 What he said is indeed correct.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, confirmation

Tone: affirmative

Do Say

• 你说得确实有道理。(What you said indeed makes sense.)
• 这个地方确实很漂亮。(This place is truly beautiful.)

Don't Say

• 我确实可能会去。(Avoid pairing 确实 with 可能 — they send mixed signals. Use one or the other to keep your meaning clear)

Origin & History

确 (certain, definite) + 实 (real, solid). Together they emphasize truthfulness and reliability.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal