定

• Pinyin: dìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 定 = 宀 (roof) + 疋 (component indicating stability)

Meaning

To decide; to set; to book. Used for making decisions, establishing rules, or reserving something.

A versatile verb that appears in many common compounds: 决定 (to decide), 一定 (definitely), 定时 (timed), 预定 (to reserve). On its own, 定 often means to book or reserve something, as in 定票 (book a ticket) or 定餐厅 (reserve a restaurant). Also means to fix or settle.

Examples

1. 你定好酒店了吗？我们下周就出发。 Have you booked the hotel? We set off next week.
2. 这件事已经定了，不用再讨论了。 This matter has already been decided — no need to discuss further.
3. 我们把开会的时间定在下午三点吧。 Let's set the meeting time for three o'clock in the afternoon.

Usage Guide

Context: planning, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我已经定好机票了。(I've already booked the plane tickets.)
• 时间还没定，等通知吧。(The time hasn't been decided yet — wait for the notice.)

Don't Say

• 用'定'代替'订'在所有场合 (Don't always interchange 定 and 订 — while both can mean 'book,' 订 is more specific to placing orders or subscribing; 定 is broader, covering decisions and fixing)

Origin & History

Originally written with 宀 (roof) over a component suggesting stability. The idea of something settled under a roof conveys finality.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal