的确

• Pinyin: dí què
• Hanzi breakdown: 的 = 白 (white) + 勺 (ladle, phonetic); 确 = 石 (stone) + 角 (horn, phonetic component)

Meaning

Indeed; really; truly. Used to confirm or emphasise that something is genuinely the case.

An adverb used to affirm or reinforce the truth of a statement. It often appears when the speaker wants to acknowledge a fact, especially one that might be surprising or that someone else has pointed out. More emphatic than 真的 and slightly more formal. Can be used at the beginning or middle of a sentence.

Examples

1. 他说的话的确有道理，我们应该认真考虑。 What he said indeed makes sense — we should consider it seriously.
2. 今年的夏天的确比去年热得多。 This summer is indeed much hotter than last year.
3. 这道菜的确很好吃，难怪这么多人推荐。 This dish is really delicious — no wonder so many people recommend it.

Usage Guide

Context: affirmation, conversation, everyday

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 你说得对，这件事的确需要更多时间。(You're right — this matter indeed needs more time.)
• 她的确是一个很努力的人。(She is indeed a very hardworking person.)

Don't Say

• 在疑问句中用的确 (Don't use 的确 in questions — it's for affirming statements, not asking; use 真的 in questions instead)

Origin & History

的 means target or indeed, and 确 means certain or sure. Together, 'certainly true' — expressing definite confirmation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal