Explanation at your level:
You use 肯定 to say 'yes' or 'sure'. If a friend asks, 'Are you coming?', you can say '肯定!' to mean 'Definitely!' It is a very helpful word for beginners to sound more natural.
Use 肯定 to show you are sure about your plans. For example, '我肯定去' means 'I will definitely go.' It helps you express your intentions clearly to others.
At this level, you can use 肯定 to express opinions or predictions. '他肯定很忙' (He must be very busy) shows you are making a logical deduction based on evidence.
You can use 肯定 to validate others' ideas. In professional settings, saying '我肯定你的努力' (I affirm your hard work) shows leadership and appreciation for team members.
Advanced learners use 肯定 in nuanced arguments. It can be used to contrast with doubt or to emphasize a conclusion reached after complex analysis. It adds a layer of authority to your speech.
At the mastery level, 肯定 is used to navigate the fine line between objective fact and subjective belief. It appears in literary critiques and philosophical discourse to define the boundaries of what is considered 'certain' or 'proven' within a specific cultural framework.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Means definitely or certainly.
- Used as an adverb.
- Neutral register.
- Very common in daily speech.
When you use 肯定, you are telling the world that you have no doubt. Think of it as the linguistic version of a solid, firm handshake. It is one of the most common ways to express certainty in Mandarin Chinese.
Whether you are confirming a meeting time or agreeing with a friend's opinion, this word adds weight to your sentence. It shows that your mind is made up and you are fully committed to the truth of your statement.
The word 肯定 is a compound of two characters. 肯 originally referred to the flesh attached to bones, implying a 'willingness' or 'assent' to something. 定 means to settle, fix, or decide.
Historically, the combination evolved to mean 'to settle upon a willingness,' which eventually solidified into the modern meaning of 'definitely' or 'to affirm.' It reflects the ancient Chinese philosophical focus on clarity and decisive action in communication.
You use 肯定 right before the verb or adjective you want to emphasize. It is extremely versatile and works in both casual chats and professional settings.
Commonly, you will hear it paired with verbs like 去 (go) or 能 (can). It is neutral in register, making it perfect for everyday life. Just avoid using it in extremely formal legal documents where more precise terminology might be required.
1. 肯定句 (Affirmative sentence) - A grammatical term for a positive statement.
2. 予以肯定 (To give affirmation) - A formal way to show approval or support for an idea.
3. 不置可否 (To give no clear opinion) - Ironically, this uses the character '肯' to describe someone who refuses to say yes or no.
4. 肯定无疑 (Undoubtedly) - Used to emphasize that there is absolutely no room for doubt.
5. 给予肯定 (To validate) - Used when a teacher or boss praises someone's work.
In terms of grammar, 肯定 acts as an adverb modifying the predicate. It usually comes after the subject and before the verb phrase. For example: 他肯定知道 (He definitely knows).
Pronunciation-wise, the 'kěn' has a third tone that drops and rises, while 'dìng' is a firm fourth tone. It rhymes loosely with words like 'men' or 'ten' in English if you focus on the vowel sounds, though the tones are the most critical part for clarity.
Fun Fact
The character 肯 originally depicted flesh on a bone.
Pronunciation Guide
Approximation of Mandarin tones.
Approximation of Mandarin tones.
Common Errors
- Mixing up the third tone
- Flat intonation
- Hard 'd' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to write
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avancé
Grammar to Know
Adverb Placement
Subject + Adv + Verb
Negation
Adv + 不
Tone Rules
3rd tone change
Examples by Level
我肯定去。
I definitely go.
Adverb placement.
肯定！
Definitely!
One-word response.
他肯定在家。
He is definitely at home.
Adverb + Verb.
肯定是对的。
It is definitely correct.
Adverb + Adjective.
明天肯定下雨。
It will definitely rain tomorrow.
Time + Adverb.
肯定没问题。
Definitely no problem.
Common phrase.
你肯定知道。
You definitely know.
Subject + Adverb.
肯定好玩。
It will definitely be fun.
Adverb + Adjective.
我肯定能完成任务。
这肯定是一个好主意。
你肯定会喜欢的。
他们肯定在路上。
这件事肯定是真的。
肯定有办法解决。
我肯定记得这件事。
肯定不是他做的。
老师肯定了我的进步。
这个结果是肯定的。
他肯定是在开玩笑。
我肯定他不会拒绝。
这肯定是一次难忘的经历。
我们肯定需要更多时间。
他肯定没听清楚。
肯定有某种误会。
他的努力得到了大家的肯定。
这种说法缺乏肯定的证据。
我对此持肯定态度。
他肯定了项目的价值。
结果是肯定的，无需怀疑。
这是对你能力的肯定。
他肯定了我的决定。
我们必须给予肯定的答复。
他的理论在学术界得到了广泛的肯定。
这一结论并非绝对肯定。
我们需要一个肯定的答复来推进工作。
他以肯定的语气回答了问题。
这一发现肯定了之前的假设。
我们对未来充满肯定的信念。
她的贡献得到了官方的肯定。
这是一种肯定的表达方式。
这种肯定性的评价对新人至关重要。
他用肯定的辞令掩盖了内心的不安。
在哲学层面上，存在即是肯定。
这一举动是对传统价值观的肯定。
他给予了肯定的承诺。
这种肯定感是建立自信的基础。
他不仅肯定了事实，还分析了原因。
这是一种不言而喻的肯定。
Collocations courantes
Idioms & Expressions
"不置可否"
To give no clear opinion.
他对此不置可否。
formal"给予肯定"
To validate.
我们要给予肯定。
neutral"肯定无疑"
Without a doubt.
这是肯定无疑的。
formal"肯定句"
Affirmative sentence.
这是一个肯定句。
academic"肯定性评价"
Positive evaluation.
他得到了肯定性评价。
formal"以肯定态度"
With a positive attitude.
他以肯定态度面对挑战。
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean certain.
一定 is more 'must'.
我一定去 vs 我肯定去.
Both mean sure.
当然 is 'of course'.
当然可以.
Similar characters.
确定 is 'to confirm'.
你确定吗?
Both are adverbs.
确实 is 'indeed'.
确实不错.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 肯定 + Verb
他肯定来。
肯定 + Adjective
肯定对。
Subject + 肯定 + 会 + Verb
他肯定会走。
Subject + 肯定 + 不 + Verb
他肯定不去。
给予 + Object + 肯定
给予他肯定。
Famille de mots
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Apparenté
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
Erreurs courantes
肯定 is usually an adverb.
Nuance difference.
Adverb syntax.
Negation placement.
Style variety.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a big 'YES' sign.
Native usage
Use it to show confidence.
Cultural insight
It shows decisiveness.
Grammar shortcut
Always before the verb.
Say it right
Focus on tones.
Don't make this mistake
Don't use it as a noun.
Did you know?
It relates to bone flesh.
Study smart
Use flashcards.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
K-en (can) + Ding (ding/bell) = I can definitely ring the bell.
Visual Association
A person nodding firmly.
Word Web
Défi
Use 肯定 in 5 sentences today.
Origine du mot
Chinese
Original meaning: Willingness to settle
Contexte culturel
None.
Used similarly to 'definitely' or 'certainly'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Work
- 肯定方案
- 获得肯定
- 肯定成果
Travel
- 肯定能到
- 肯定好玩
- 肯定没问题
School
- 肯定是对的
- 老师肯定了
- 肯定会考
Daily
- 肯定去
- 肯定吃
- 肯定行
Conversation Starters
"你肯定会去吗？"
"你觉得这个方案怎么样？"
"你肯定他知道吗？"
"你对这件事有什么看法？"
"你肯定能完成吗？"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you were 肯定.
Describe a situation where you were not 肯定.
How do you show 肯定 in your work?
Why is 肯定 important in communication?
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsIt can be, but it is mostly an adverb.
Yes, with '不'.
It is neutral.
Kěn-dìng.
Yes, as a response.
Very common.
It means 'definitely'.
Yes.
Teste-toi
我 ___ 去。
肯定 fits as an adverb.
What does 肯定 mean?
It means certainty.
肯定 is a noun.
It is an adverb.
Word
Signification
Antonyms.
Subject + Adv + Verb.
Score : /5
Summary
肯定 is your go-to word for expressing absolute certainty and confidence in Mandarin.
- Means definitely or certainly.
- Used as an adverb.
- Neutral register.
- Very common in daily speech.
Memory Palace
Imagine a big 'YES' sign.
Native usage
Use it to show confidence.
Cultural insight
It shows decisiveness.
Grammar shortcut
Always before the verb.
Related Content
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Expressions liées
Plus de mots sur general
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
一点儿
A1a little, a bit
一会儿
A1a moment, a while
一部分
B1part; portion; minority
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
