肯定

• Pinyin: kěn dìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 肯 = 止 (stop) + 月 (flesh) — willing; 定 = 宀 (roof) + 正 (correct) — to settle, fix

Meaning

To affirm; affirmative; definite; certainly. To confirm something is true, or expressing certainty about a statement.

As a verb, means to affirm, confirm, or acknowledge positively. As an adjective, means definite or certain. As an adverb, means definitely, certainly, surely. 肯定句 is an affirmative sentence. Often used to express confidence: 我肯定他会来 (I'm sure he will come).

Examples

1. 老板肯定了他这半年的工作成绩。 The boss affirmed his work achievements over the past six months.
2. 明天肯定会下雨，你带把伞吧。 It will definitely rain tomorrow, bring an umbrella.
3. 对于这件事，我没法给你一个肯定的答复。 Regarding this matter, I can't give you a definite answer.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, work, confirmation

Tone: assertive

Do Say

• 你能肯定这个消息是真的吗？(Can you confirm this news is true?)
• 她的努力得到了大家的肯定。(Her efforts received everyone's recognition.)

Don't Say

• 说'我很肯定地不知道'表示我真的不知道 (Don't use 肯定 to emphasize negatives — say 我确实不知道 or 我真的不知道)

Origin & History

肯 (willing, to consent) + 定 (to fix, to settle). Together meaning to affirm or settle as positive/true.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal