B1 adjective #1,000 most common 4 min read

確かな

It means something is certain, reliable, or definitely true.

tashika na

Explanation at your level:

Hello! 確かな (tashikana) is a word that means something is 'sure' or 'real.' Like, when you know your mom loves you, that's a 確かな feeling! Or if you have a toy that is very strong and doesn't break, you can say it's a 確かな toy. It's like saying 'yes, this is true!' or 'yes, this is good!' You use it when you are very sure about something. For example, 'This is a sure book' (これは確かな本です). It helps you say that something is not a maybe, but a yes!

Hi there! 確かな (tashikana) is an adjective that means 'certain,' 'reliable,' or 'definite.' You use it when you want to say that something is true and you can trust it. For instance, if you hear some news, you might ask if it's 確かな情報 (tashikana jōhō), which means 'reliable information.' Or, if someone has good skills, you can say they have 確かな技術 (tashikana gijutsu), meaning 'proven skills.' It's a very useful word to show that something is solid and not questionable.

Let's talk about 確かな (tashikana)! This adjective is key for expressing certainty and reliability. It means 'certain,' 'definite,' or 'reliable.' You'll often use it to describe things you can depend on. For example, 確かな証拠 (tashikana shōko) means 'conclusive evidence,' something that proves a point beyond doubt. You might also say 確かな計画 (tashikana keikaku) for a 'solid plan.' It’s a great word to use when you want to convey confidence in a statement or a thing.

The adjective 確かな (tashikana) signifies a high degree of certainty, reliability, and established truth. It moves beyond mere opinion to denote something that is factually sound or dependable. For instance, in a professional context, you might refer to 確かな実績 (tashikana jisseki), meaning 'proven track record,' implying a history of success that is beyond dispute. It can also describe a person's conviction, such as 確かな信念 (tashikana shinnen), a 'firm belief.' Using 確かな adds a layer of authority and trustworthiness to your communication.

確かな (tashikana) is a nuanced adjective denoting a state of being beyond doubt, firmly established, or reliably proven. Its usage extends to abstract concepts as well as concrete facts. For example, one might discuss 確かな価値 (tashikana kachi), signifying 'intrinsic value,' suggesting something possesses inherent worth that is undeniable. In academic discourse, it can be used to describe findings that are 確かな結果 (tashikana kekka), or 'conclusive results.' The word implies a level of verification and certainty that lends significant weight to the noun it modifies, often suggesting a consensus or empirical validation.

In advanced Japanese, 確かな (tashikana) signifies a profound level of certainty, often rooted in empirical evidence, logical deduction, or universally accepted principles. It denotes not just reliability but an almost axiomatic truth within a given context. Consider its use in philosophical or scientific discussions: 確かな知識 (tashikana chishiki) might refer to 'certain knowledge' in the epistemological sense, something that cannot possibly be false. Its etymological link to the verb 確かめる (to confirm) underscores its function in validating claims and establishing irrefutable facts. Mastering 確かな involves understanding its subtle implications of authority, evidence, and the absence of ambiguity in various intellectual and practical domains.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Means 'certain', 'reliable', 'definite'.
  • Used for information, evidence, skills, plans.
  • Implies trustworthiness and being beyond doubt.
  • Often used in formal and professional contexts.

Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful Japanese adjective 確かな (tashikana). It's a super useful word that basically means 'certain,' 'reliable,' or 'definite.' Think of it as the opposite of 'maybe' or 'uncertain.' When something is 確かな, you can count on it, believe it, or be sure about it. It gives a sense of firmness and trustworthiness to whatever it describes.

You'll often hear this word used to describe information that is confirmed, evidence that is solid, or even feelings that are deeply felt and unwavering. It’s like a seal of approval, telling you that what you're dealing with is real and dependable. So, whether it's about facts, plans, or even a person's skills, 確かな adds that extra layer of confidence and certainty.

The word 確かな (tashikana) comes from the verb 確かめる (tashikameru), which means 'to confirm' or 'to ascertain.' The root of this verb, 確か (tashika), carries the meaning of 'certainty' or 'truth.' Over time, 確か evolved into the adjective 確かな, which directly describes something as being certain or reliable.

The kanji 確 itself is quite old and signifies 'firm,' 'solid,' or 'true.' Its presence in the word emphasizes the strong, unwavering nature of the certainty it conveys. Historically, this word would have been used in contexts where establishing the truth or reliability of something was crucial, such as in legal matters, official pronouncements, or even personal assurances. Its continued use today highlights its fundamental importance in expressing confidence and dependability in the Japanese language.

確かな (tashikana) is a versatile adjective used in many situations to express certainty and reliability. It often modifies nouns, describing them as definite or sure. For example, you might hear 確かな情報 (tashikana jōhō), meaning 'reliable information,' or 確かな証拠 (tashikana shōko), meaning 'conclusive evidence.' It's also used to describe skills or abilities, like 確かな技術 (tashikana gijutsu), meaning 'proven skills.'

In more formal settings, 確かな can lend weight to statements, assuring the listener of the speaker's conviction. In casual conversation, it might be used to express a strong personal belief or a high degree of confidence. The key is that it always points towards something being firm, trustworthy, and without doubt. It's a go-to adjective when you want to emphasize the solidity and dependability of something.

While 確かな (tashikana) itself is a straightforward adjective, it appears in various expressions that emphasize certainty and confirmation.

  • 確かめる (tashikameru): This verb means 'to confirm' or 'to make sure.' For example, Please confirm the details. (詳細を確かめてください。)
  • 確かめようがない (tashikameyou ga nai): This means 'there is no way to confirm' or 'it's impossible to verify.' Example: The rumor is so vague, there's no way to confirm it. (その噂は曖昧すぎて、確かめようがない。)
  • 確かめ次第連絡します (tashikame shidai renraku shimasu): This phrase means 'I will contact you as soon as I confirm.' It's common in business settings. Example: I'll let you know as soon as I confirm the schedule. (スケジュールが確かめ次第連絡します。)
  • 確かによくできている (tashika ni yoku dekite iru): This means 'it is indeed well-made' or 'certainly done well.' It's an expression of approval. Example: This cake is certainly delicious! (このケーキは確かによくできている!)
  • 確かめもせず (tashikame mo sezu): This means 'without confirming' or 'without checking.' Example: He criticized it without even checking the facts. (彼は確かめもせずに批判した。)

確かな (tashikana) is an i-adjective in its base form, but when used attributively before a noun, it takes the na-form, hence 確かな. This means it functions similarly to a na-adjective in such cases. For example, 確かな情報 (tashikana jōhō - reliable information). When used predicatively (at the end of a sentence), it often takes the form 確かです (tashika desu) for politeness or 確かだ (tashika da) in casual speech.

Pronunciation: The word is pronounced roughly as /ta.ɕi.ka.na/. The 'shi' sound is a bit softer than in English, almost like 'sh' but with the tongue slightly flatter. The 'a' sounds are like the 'a' in 'father.' There's an even stress across the syllables, with perhaps a slight emphasis on the first syllable.

Rhyming words: While direct rhymes are rare due to the specific syllable structure, words ending in '-ana' might share a similar phonetic feel, though not true rhymes. Examples could include 'ayana' (彩な - to color) or 'wakana' (若菜 - young greens), but these are not perfect rhymes.

Fun Fact

The kanji 確 (kaku) itself is composed of 'metal/money' (金) and 'to hit/strike' (戱), suggesting a solid, undeniable truth, like striking gold or a definitive blow.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtæʃɪkənə/

Sounds like 'TASH-ih-kuh-nuh', with a clear 'sh' sound and steady rhythm.

US /ˈtæʃɪkənə/

Similar to UK, 'TASH-ih-kuh-nuh', perhaps with a slightly faster pace.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing 'shi' too strongly like English 'shee'.
  • Putting too much stress on one syllable, disrupting the even flow.
  • Replacing the 'sh' sound with 's'.

Rhymes With

wakana (若菜) ayana (彩な)

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

easy/hard to read

Writing 2/5

easy/hard to write

Speaking 2/5

easy/hard to speak

Listening 2/5

easy/hard to listen

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

こと (koto - thing, matter) 情報 (jōhō - information) 証拠 (shōko - evidence) 技術 (gijutsu - skill)

Learn Next

確実な (kakujitsu na) 間違いのない (machigai no nai) 揺るぎない (yuruginai)

Advanced

真偽 (shingi - truth or falsehood) 信憑性 (shinpyōsei - credibility) 客観性 (kyakkansē - objectivity)

Grammar to Know

Na-Adjective Conjugation

確かな -> 確かです/だ

Modifying Nouns

確かな + Noun

Using こと (koto) as a Noun Substitute

確かなことは...

Examples by Level

1

これは 確かな 本 です。

This is certain/real book is.

確かな modifies 本

2

私には 確かな 友達 が います。

I have certain/reliable friend(s) have.

確かな modifies 友達

3

この ケーキ は 確かな 美味しさ です。

This cake is certain/real deliciousness is.

確かな modifies 美味しさ

4

それは 確かな こと ですか?

That is certain/real thing is it?

確かな modifies こと

5

彼 は 確かな 人 です。

He is certain/reliable person is.

確かな modifies 人

6

確かな 計画 が あります。

Certain/solid plan have.

確かな modifies 計画

7

この 匂い は 確かな 匂い です。

This smell is certain/real smell is.

確かな modifies 匂い

8

確かな 理由 が あります。

Certain/solid reason have.

確かな modifies 理由

1

この情報は 確かなものですか?

This information is reliable thing is it?

確かな modifies もの

2

彼女は 確かな 運転技術 を 持っている。

She has reliable driving skills.

確かな modifies 運転技術

3

確かな 証拠 が 見つかった。

Conclusive evidence was found.

確かな modifies 証拠

4

彼の言葉は いつも 確かなものだ。

His words are always reliable.

確かな modifies もの

5

確かな 経験 が あるから、心配ない。

Because I have solid experience, there is no worry.

確かな modifies 経験

6

この レストラン は 確かな 味 だ。

This restaurant has reliable taste.

確かな modifies 味

7

確かなことは、彼が 来るということだ。

The certain thing is, he will come.

確かな modifies こと

8

確かな 足取り で 歩いていた。

He was walking with a sure gait.

確かな modifies 足取り

1

そのニュースは 確かな 情報源 から 来た。

That news came from a reliable source.

確かな modifies 情報源

2

彼は 確かな 技術 を 持っており、信頼されている。

He possesses proven skills and is trusted.

確かな modifies 技術

3

確かな 証拠 が あれは、犯人を特定できるだろう。

If there is conclusive evidence, the culprit can be identified.

確かな modifies 証拠

4

この 計画 は 確かな 成功 を 収めるだろう。

This plan will achieve certain success.

確かな modifies 成功

5

確かなことは、彼が チーム に 貢献したということだ。

What is certain is that he contributed to the team.

確かな modifies こと

6

確かな 経験 に 裏打ちされた 彼の 分析 は 正確だった。

His analysis, backed by solid experience, was accurate.

確かな modifies 経験

7

確かな 目的意識 を 持って 行動する。

To act with a clear sense of purpose.

確かな modifies 目的意識

8

確かな 知識 が なければ、この 問題 は 解決できない。

Without certain knowledge, this problem cannot be solved.

確かな modifies 知識

1

確かな 情報源 を 確認することが、誤報を防ぐ鍵となる。

Confirming reliable sources is key to preventing misinformation.

確かな modifies 情報源

2

彼の 確かな 技術 は、長年の鍛錬の賜物である。

His proven skills are the result of many years of training.

確かな modifies 技術

3

確かな 証拠 が 提示されれば、裁判所の判断も覆る可能性がある。

If conclusive evidence is presented, the court's judgment may be overturned.

確かな modifies 証拠

4

この 新規事業 は、市場調査に基づいた 確かな 成功の見込み がある。

This new venture has a solid prospect of success based on market research.

確かな modifies 見込み

5

歴史的な 事実として 確かなことは、その出来事が 人々の生活に 大きな 影響を与えたということだ。

What is certain as a historical fact is that the event greatly impacted people's lives.

確かな modifies こと

6

確かな 経験 に 裏打ちされた 彼の 提言 は、会議で高く評価された。

His proposal, underpinned by solid experience, was highly valued in the meeting.

確かな modifies 経験

7

確かな 目的意識 を 持つことは、人生の羅針盤となる。

Having a clear sense of purpose becomes a compass for life.

確かな modifies 目的意識

8

確かな 知識 の 蓄積 が、イノベーションの 土壌となる。

The accumulation of certain knowledge becomes the soil for innovation.

確かな modifies 知識

1

確かな 情報源 の 精査なしには、現代社会における情報リテラシーの向上は望めない。

Without rigorous examination of reliable sources, improvement in information literacy in modern society cannot be expected.

確かな modifies 情報源

2

彼の 確かな 技術 は、単なる熟練を超え、芸術の域に達している。

His proven skills transcend mere proficiency, reaching the realm of art.

確かな modifies 技術

3

確かな 証拠 が 示されれば、科学的コンセンサスさえも覆る可能性がある。

If conclusive evidence is presented, even scientific consensus may be overturned.

確かな modifies 証拠

4

この 投資戦略 は、マクロ経済の 確かな 分析 に 基づいている。

This investment strategy is based on a solid analysis of the macroeconomy.

確かな modifies 分析

5

歴史の 教訓 として 確かなことは、変化を 恐れず 適応することの 重要性である。

What is certain as a lesson from history is the importance of adapting without fearing change.

確かな modifies こと

6

確かな 経験 に 裏打ちされた 彼の 洞察力 は、複雑な 問題 を 解き明かす鍵となった。

His insight, underpinned by solid experience, became the key to unraveling complex problems.

確かな modifies 経験

7

確かな 目的意識 を 持つことは、自己実現への 道筋 を 明確にする。

Having a clear sense of purpose clarifies the path to self-actualization.

確かな modifies 目的意識

8

確かな 知識 の 体系化 は、学問の 進歩に 不可欠である。

The systematization of certain knowledge is indispensable for the progress of scholarship.

確かな modifies 知識

1

確かな 情報源 の 批判的吟味 は、現代の情報化社会における必須スキルである。

Critical scrutiny of reliable sources is an essential skill in today's information-rich society.

確かな modifies 情報源

2

彼の 確かな 技術 は、伝統工芸の 保存と 革新の両面に 貢献している。

His proven skills contribute to both the preservation and innovation of traditional crafts.

確かな modifies 技術

3

確かな 証拠 が 提示された 場合、既存の 理論体系 でさえ 再考を 迫られることがある。

When conclusive evidence is presented, even existing theoretical frameworks may be forced into reconsideration.

確かな modifies 証拠

4

この 経済モデル は、過去の データ に 基づく 確かな 分析 を 展開している。

This economic model presents a solid analysis based on historical data.

確かな modifies 分析

5

歴史の 普遍的な 教訓として 確かなことは、人間の 営み が 常に 変化と 創造の 繰り返しであるということだ。

What is certain as a universal lesson from history is that human endeavors are a constant cycle of change and creation.

確かな modifies こと

6

確かな 経験 に 裏打ちされた 彼の 哲学 は、多くの 人々に 深い 感銘を 与え続けている。

His philosophy, underpinned by solid experience, continues to deeply impress many people.

確かな modifies 経験

7

確かな 目的意識 の 探求 は、 existential な 問い に 対する 応答でもある。

The pursuit of a clear sense of purpose is also a response to existential questions.

確かな modifies 目的意識

8

確かな 知識 の 構築 は、 懐疑主義 と 実証主義 の 相互作用 の 中で 進展する。

The construction of certain knowledge progresses through the interaction of skepticism and positivism.

確かな modifies 知識

Common Collocations

確かな情報 (tashikana jōhō)
確かな証拠 (tashikana shōko)
確かな技術 (tashikana gijutsu)
確かな経験 (tashikana keiken)
確かな理由 (tashikana riyū)
確かな手応え (tashikana teogotae)
確かな足取り (tashikana ashidori)
確かなこと (tashikana koto)
確かな味 (tashikana aji)
確かな将来 (tashikana shōrai)

Idioms & Expressions

"確かめる (tashikameru)"

To confirm, to make sure, to verify.

予約内容を確かめてください。

neutral

"確かめようがない (tashikameyou ga nai)"

There is no way to confirm; impossible to verify.

その噂の真偽は確かめようがない。

neutral

"確かめ次第連絡します (tashikame shidai renraku shimasu)"

I will contact you as soon as I confirm.

詳細が分かり次第、改めて連絡します。

formal

"確かによくできている (tashika ni yoku dekite iru)"

It is indeed well-made; certainly done well.

この映画は確かによくできている、感動したよ。

neutral

"確かめもせず (tashikame mo sezu)"

Without confirming; without checking.

彼は確かめもせずに、間違った情報を広めた。

neutral

"確かめてみなさい (tashikamete minasai)"

Try to confirm it; see for yourself.

本当かどうか、自分で確かめてみなさい。

neutral

Easily Confused

確かな vs 確実な (kakujitsu na)

Both mean 'certain' or 'sure'.

確かな often emphasizes reliability and trustworthiness (e.g., reliable information). 確実な emphasizes definiteness and guaranteed outcome (e.g., certain success, definite arrival).

確かな情報 (reliable info) vs 確実な到着 (certain arrival).

確かな vs 間違いのない (machigai no nai)

Also means 'without mistake' or 'certain'.

間違いのない focuses on the absence of error, implying correctness. 確かな is broader, covering reliability and trustworthiness beyond just being error-free.

間違いのない計算 (error-free calculation) vs 確かな技術 (proven skills).

確かな vs 本物の (honmono no)

Can sometimes overlap when referring to something real.

本物の means 'real', 'genuine', 'authentic', focusing on authenticity. 確かな means 'certain', 'reliable', 'definite', focusing on trustworthiness and lack of doubt.

本物のダイヤモンド (real diamond) vs 確かな証拠 (certain evidence).

確かな vs 不確かな (futashikana)

It's the direct negation.

This is the direct antonym, meaning 'uncertain', 'doubtful', 'unreliable'. It's the opposite meaning, not a confusing word in terms of similar meaning.

確かな情報 (certain information) vs 不確かな情報 (uncertain information).

Sentence Patterns

A1-C2

確かな + Noun

確かな情報が欲しいです。

A2-C2

Noun + は/が + 確かな + Noun + です/だ

彼の話は確かな情報だ。

B1-C2

確かな + こと + は + ...

確かなことは、彼が来るということだけだ。

B1-C2

Noun + の + 確かな + Noun

親の確かな愛情を感じた。

B2-C2

Adverb + 確かな + Noun

間違いなく確かな証拠が見つかった。

Word Family

Nouns

確かさ (tashikasa) Certainty, reliability, definiteness.

Verbs

確かめる (tashikameru) To confirm, to ascertain, to make sure.

Adjectives

確かな (tashikana) Certain, reliable, definite.

Related

確か (tashika) The root word, often used in phrases like '確かだ (it is certain)'.

How to Use It

Formality Scale

very formal formal neutral casual

Common Mistakes

Using 確かな for things that are just 'good' or 'nice'. Use 確かな for things that are certain, reliable, or proven.
確かな implies a higher degree of certainty and factuality than simply 'good'. For 'good', use words like '良い (ii)' or '素晴らしい (subarashii)'.
Confusing 確かな (tashikana) with 確か (tashika) used as a noun. 確かな is an adjective modifying a noun. 確か can sometimes stand alone or be part of phrases like '確かだ (tashika da)'.
While related, their grammatical functions differ. 確かな directly describes a noun (e.g., 確かな証拠). 確かだ means 'it is certain'.
Overusing 確かな for subjective feelings. While you can have '確かな気持ち (tashikana kimochi)' meaning a 'sure feeling', it's often better to use more nuanced words for emotions.
For strong emotions, words like '強い (tsuyoi - strong)' or '深い (fukai - deep)' might be more appropriate unless you specifically mean the feeling is undeniably real.
Incorrectly conjugating when used predicatively. When used at the end of a sentence, it becomes 確かだ (tashika da) or 確かです (tashika desu).
Unlike i-adjectives, na-adjectives and adjectives in the na-form require 'da' or 'desu' when they function as the predicate.
Using 確かな in place of 'possible'. Use 可能な (kanō na) for 'possible'.
確かな means 'certain' or 'definite', the opposite of possible. Possible implies it might happen, while certain implies it definitely will or is.

Tips

💡

Memory Palace Trick

Imagine a library where every book is perfectly shelved and verified. The librarian confidently tells you, 'This is 確かな (tashikana) knowledge!' Associate the 'task' of shelving with 'kana' (can do) for 'certainty'.

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When Native Speakers Use It

Listen for 確かな when people discuss news reports ('確かな情報でしたか?' - Was it reliable info?), confirm appointments ('確かな時間ですね?' - Is that the confirmed time?), or praise someone's skills ('確かな腕前ですね!' - You have proven skills!).

🌍

Cultural Insight

In Japanese culture, reliability and trustworthiness are highly valued. Using 確かな appropriately demonstrates that you understand and respect these values, showing diligence in your communication.

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Grammar Shortcut

Remember: 確かな + Noun is the most frequent pattern. Treat it like 'a certain/reliable [Noun]'.

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Say It Right

Keep the rhythm even: ta-shi-ka-na. Avoid stressing one syllable too much. The 'shi' is soft, almost like a quick 'sh'.

💡

Don't Make This Mistake

Avoid using 確かな when you just mean 'good' or 'nice'. Use words like 良い (ii) or 素晴らしい (subarashii) for general positive qualities.

💡

Did You Know?

The concept of 'certainty' is crucial in many fields, from law (burden of proof) to science (reproducibility). 確かな reflects this fundamental need for reliable information.

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Study Smart

Create flashcards: Front: 確かな. Back: Certain, reliable, definite. Example sentence: 確かな情報源. Try to use it in your own sentences daily!

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Beyond the Basics

Notice how 確かな can sometimes imply 'intrinsic' or 'fundamental' quality, like 確かな価値 (tashikana kachi - intrinsic value), adding depth to its meaning.

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Predicate Form

Don't forget the change! When 確かな acts as the main verb/adjective at the end of a sentence, it becomes 確かだ or 確かです.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Task-kana'. If you complete a 'task' and it's done 'kana' (like 'can-a' - can do it), it's a 'certain' or 'reliable' task completion.

Visual Association

Imagine a sturdy, unbreakable shield with the kanji 確 engraved on it. It represents protection and certainty.

Word Web

Certainty Reliability Truth Fact Proof Confirmation Dependable Solid

Challenge

Try using 確かな to describe three things you are absolutely sure about today.

Word Origin

Japanese

Original meaning: Root 'tashika' meaning certainty/truth, combined with adjective-forming suffix.

Cultural Context

Generally neutral. Using it appropriately shows diligence and trustworthiness.

In English, we use words like 'certain', 'sure', 'reliable', 'definite', 'proven', 'conclusive'. The nuance depends heavily on context.

Often used in news reports, legal documents, and scientific papers to emphasize the validity of information.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

News and Information

  • 確かな情報源 (tashikana jōhōgen) - reliable source
  • 確かなニュースですか? (tashikana nyūsu desu ka?) - Is it reliable news?
  • 確かな筋からの情報 (tashikana suji kara no jōhō) - information from a reliable channel

Work and Business

  • 確かな実績 (tashikana jisseki) - proven track record
  • 確かな計画 (tashikana keikaku) - solid plan
  • 確かな技術 (tashikana gijutsu) - proven skills

Personal Assurance

  • 確かなことは... (tashikana koto wa...) - What is certain is...
  • 確かな理由があります (tashikana riyū ga arimasu) - There is a solid reason.
  • 確かな手応えを感じる (tashikana teogotae o kanjiru) - feel a sure response/sign of success

Legal and Evidence

  • 確かな証拠 (tashikana shōko) - conclusive evidence
  • 確かな証人 (tashikana shōnin) - reliable witness
  • 確かな事実 (tashikana jijitsu) - established fact

Conversation Starters

"今日のニュースで、何か確かな情報がありましたか?"

"あなたの仕事で、一番確かなスキルは何だと思いますか?"

"将来について、確かなことは何一つないと言いますが、どう思いますか?"

"この計画は確かな成功の見込みがあると思いますか?"

"確かな証拠がない限り、人を疑うべきではないと思います。"

Journal Prompts

今日あった出来事で、確かなことは何ですか?

あなたの人生において、確かな支えとなっているものは何ですか?

将来の夢について、確かな目標を設定してみましょう。

あなたが「これは確かなことだ」と信じていることは何ですか?その理由も書いてみましょう。

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

Both mean 'certain' or 'sure'. 確かな often emphasizes reliability and trustworthiness, while 確実な leans more towards definiteness and guaranteed outcome. For example, 確かな情報 (reliable info) vs 確実な成功 (certain success).

Yes, you can say 確かな気持ち (tashikana kimochi) for a 'sure feeling' or 'certain emotion'. However, for strong emotions, other adjectives like '強い (tsuyoi)' might be more common unless you specifically mean the feeling is undeniably real.

When used predicatively (at the end), it changes form to 確かだ (tashika da) in casual speech or 確かです (tashika desu) in polite speech.

Generally yes, it implies something good or dependable. However, context matters. For example, '確かな危険' (tashikana kiken) means 'certain danger', which is negative but still describes a definite reality.

The most direct opposite is 不確かな (futashikana), meaning 'uncertain' or 'doubtful'. Other opposites in meaning include 曖昧な (aimai na - vague) and 疑わしい (utagawashii - suspicious).

Absolutely. It's often used with abstract nouns like 'knowledge' (知識), 'value' (価値), 'purpose' (目的), 'belief' (信念) to denote their certainty or intrinsic nature.

It's quite common, especially when discussing news, plans, or assessing the reliability of information or skills. It's a fundamental adjective for expressing certainty.

確かな emphasizes certainty and reliability, while 本物の means 'real' or 'genuine', focusing on authenticity. You can have 確かな情報 (reliable info) and 本物の宝石 (real jewel).

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

これは ______ おもちゃです。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 確かな (tashikana - certain/strong)

We want to say the toy is strong or reliable, so '確かな' fits best.

multiple choice A2

Which word means 'reliable information'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 確かな情報 (tashikana jōhō)

'確かな情報' specifically means reliable or certain information.

true false B1

確かな証拠 (tashikana shōko) means 'doubtful evidence'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

確かな証拠 means 'conclusive' or 'certain' evidence, the opposite of doubtful.

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

These pairs show common collocations of 確かな.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The correct sentence is '確かな証拠が見つかった' (Tashikana shōko ga mitsukatta - Certain evidence was found).

fill blank B2

彼の ______ 技術は多くの人に認められている。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 確かな (tashikana)

We are talking about skills that are recognized, implying they are proven or reliable.

multiple choice C1

Which phrase best translates 'an unshakable belief'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 確かな信念 (tashikana shinnen)

'確かな信念' implies a firm, unwavering belief, similar to 'unshakable'.

true false C2

The phrase '確かなこと' (tashikana koto) can refer to abstract truths or fundamental facts.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: True

Yes, '確かなこと' is often used to refer to things that are undeniably true or factual, even on an abstract level.

fill blank A1

これは ______ りんご です。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 確かな (tashikana - real/good)

Used here to mean 'real' or 'good quality', implying certainty of its nature.

match pairs B2

Word

Meaning

All matched!

These are common and important collocations in professional and academic contexts.

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