確実

• Reading: かくじつ
• Romaji: kakujitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 確 (kaku) — certain, firm; 実 (jitsu) — truth, reality
• Pronunciation: /ka.kɯ.d͡ʑi.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Certain; sure; reliable. Describes something definite and beyond doubt.

A na-adjective used to describe outcomes, methods, or information that can be relied upon. Takes な before nouns (確実な方法, a reliable method) and に as an adverb (確実に合格する, to pass for certain). Common in business, academic, and news contexts.

Examples

1. 成功するには確実な計画が必要だ。 A solid plan is necessary for success.
2. 彼は確実にこの仕事をやり遂げるだろう。 He will surely get this job done.
3. 確実な情報を手に入れてから判断しよう。 Let's get reliable information before making a decision.

Usage Guide

Context: business, planning, decisions

Tone: assertive

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 確 (kaku, certain/firm) and 実 (jitsu, truth/reality). 確 contains 石 (stone) suggesting firmness, while 実 originally depicted a house full of cowrie shells, symbolising real wealth.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal