確実な
It means something is sure to happen or is reliable and trustworthy.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! 確実な (kakujitsu na) is a word that means something is sure or certain. It's like when you know something will happen, for sure! For example, if your mom says she will pick you up, you know it's 確実な. It means it's not a maybe, it's a yes! You can use it for things you are very sure about. It helps you say that something is reliable, like a strong bridge you can cross.
確実な (kakujitsu na) is an adjective that means 'certain', 'sure', or 'reliable'. You use it when you are confident that something will happen or that something is true. For example, 'The train is always on time, so arriving by 5 PM is 確実な.' It implies a high degree of confidence. Think of it as the opposite of 'maybe'. It can describe information that is trustworthy or a plan that is very likely to succeed without any problems.
The Japanese adjective 確実な (kakujitsu na) translates to 'certain', 'sure', 'definite', or 'reliable'. It's used when you want to express a high degree of confidence in something, whether it's an outcome, information, or a person's dependability. For example, you might say, 'This is a 確実な方法 to pass the exam,' meaning it's a reliable method. It's more than just 'likely'; it implies a strong assurance that something will happen or is true. You can use it in various contexts, from planning events to assessing information.
確実な (kakujitsu na) is a na-adjective signifying certainty, definiteness, or reliability. It denotes a state where doubt is minimal, and the outcome or truth of something is highly assured. This term is frequently used to describe plans (確実な計画), information (確実な情報), or results (確実な成果). When describing a person, 確実な人 implies someone dependable and trustworthy. Its usage conveys a strong sense of conviction, distinguishing it from mere probability. It's suitable for both formal and informal communication when emphasizing dependability.
In Japanese, 確実な (kakujitsu na) functions as a na-adjective denoting a high degree of certainty, reliability, and definiteness. It signifies that something is beyond reasonable doubt, either in its occurrence, truthfulness, or dependability. This term is often employed in contexts requiring precision and assurance, such as scientific reports (確実なデータ - reliable data), financial forecasts (確実な収益 - certain profit), or strategic planning (確実な勝利への道 - a sure path to victory). Its application implies a robust foundation, whether factual or predictive, and carries a connotation of trustworthiness that is often essential in professional and academic discourse.
確実な (kakujitsu na), as a na-adjective, embodies the concept of absolute certainty, unwavering reliability, and irrefutable definiteness. It transcends mere probability, suggesting a state where contingency is virtually eliminated. Etymologically, the combination of 確 (firm, sure) and 実 (truth, result) reinforces this sense of solid, tangible assurance. It is used to describe phenomena, data, or strategies that are fundamentally sound and predictable, leaving no room for ambiguity. In advanced contexts, 確実な can be contrasted with terms implying potential or possibility, highlighting its definitive nature. Its mastery involves understanding its nuanced application in fields ranging from law and engineering to philosophy, where absolute certainty is a critical benchmark.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means 'certain', 'sure', 'reliable', 'definite'.
- A na-adjective, used as 確実な + Noun or 確実だ/です.
- Implies a high degree of confidence and trustworthiness.
- Useful in business, science, and daily life for clear communication.
Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful world of 確実な (kakujitsu na). This is a super useful Japanese adjective that basically means certain, sure, reliable, or definite. Think of it as the opposite of 'maybe' or 'unpredictable'. When you say something is 確実な, you're giving it a big thumbs-up for being trustworthy and dependable. It's a word that brings a sense of confidence and security, whether you're talking about a plan, a person, or even a scientific result.
Imagine you're planning a picnic with friends. If you say, "The weather forecast says it will be sunny, so the picnic is 確実な," you're expressing a high degree of confidence that the picnic will definitely happen as planned. Or, if you're talking about a friend who always keeps their promises, you might describe them as 確実な. It’s a word that helps us communicate our certainty and trust in various situations, making it a cornerstone of clear and confident communication.
The word 確実 (kakujitsu) itself is a compound, formed from two kanji characters. The first character, 確 (kaku), means 'firm', 'hard', or 'sure'. It often carries the sense of something being solid and unshakeable. The second character, 実 (jitsu), means 'fruit', 'nut', 'result', or 'truth'. Together, 確実 paints a picture of something that is 'firmly true' or 'solidly resulting'.
The adjective form, 確実な (kakujitsu na), is created by adding the particle 'な' (na) to the noun/na-adjective stem 確実. This is a common way to turn na-adjectives into their adjectival form, allowing them to modify nouns directly. Historically, the concept of certainty and reliability has been crucial across cultures, and 確実 embodies this need for dependable information and outcomes. Its usage likely solidified during periods when structured governance and trade required clear, unambiguous statements about commitments and facts.
Interestingly, the characters themselves have deep roots. 確 can be traced back to ancient Chinese script depicting a hand striking something hard, signifying certainty. 実, too, comes from imagery related to plants bearing fruit, representing a tangible and true outcome. So, when you use 確実な, you're tapping into a long linguistic history of conveying solid, undeniable truth and reliability.
So, when do we whip out 確実な? It's a versatile word used in many contexts! You'll often hear it describing plans, results, information, or even people. For instance, 確実な計画 (kakujitsu na keikaku) means a 'sure plan' or a 'reliable plan'. You might also hear 確実な情報 (kakujitsu na jōhō), which is 'reliable information'.
It's great for expressing confidence in future events, like 確実な成功 (kakujitsu na seikō) – 'certain success'. When talking about people, 確実な人 (kakujitsu na hito) implies someone dependable and trustworthy. Remember, it's a na-adjective, so it connects to the noun it modifies with 'な' (na). You wouldn't typically use it for abstract concepts like 'happiness' unless you were talking about a sure path to it. It leans more towards tangible outcomes, factual information, and dependable actions.
In terms of formality, 確実な is quite neutral. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, but it's also perfectly appropriate in business settings or formal reports when you need to convey a strong sense of certainty or reliability. It's a solid, go-to word when you want to be clear and confident about something!
While 確実な itself is a straightforward adjective, the concept of certainty and reliability appears in various Japanese expressions. Here are a few that touch upon similar ideas:
- 一石二鳥 (isseki nichō): Literally 'one stone, two birds'. This idiom means killing two birds with one stone, achieving two goals with a single action. It implies an efficient and sure way to get results. Example: This new software update is great; it fixes bugs and improves speed – a real 一石二鳥!
- 確実を期す (kakujitsu o kisu): This phrase means 'to ensure certainty' or 'to make sure of something'. It's about taking steps to guarantee a positive outcome. Example: We need to double-check the data to 確実を期す.
- 油断大敵 (yudan taiteki): 'Carelessness is a great enemy'. This warns against complacency, implying that a lack of vigilance can jeopardize even sure things. Example: Even though the project is going well, we must not forget that 油断大敵.
- 鉄板 (teppan): Literally 'iron plate'. In modern slang, this means something is a 'sure thing' or a 'guaranteed success'. It’s a more casual way to express certainty, similar to 確実な. Example: With her skills, her victory is 鉄板.
- 間違いなし (machigai nashi): 'No mistake'. This is a very common, slightly informal expression to say something is definitely good, correct, or will happen. Example: This restaurant is delicious,間違いなし!
These expressions, while not all containing 確実な directly, highlight the cultural value placed on assurance, efficiency, and avoiding uncertainty.
As a na-adjective, 確実な (kakujitsu na) behaves in a specific way in Japanese grammar. When it modifies a noun directly, you place 'な' (na) between 確実 and the noun. For example, 確実な方法 (kakujitsu na hōhō) means 'a sure method'.
If you want to use it predicatively (at the end of a sentence), you can say 確実だ (kakujitsu da) or 確実です (kakujitsu desu) for politeness. For instance, この計画は確実だ (Kono keikaku wa kakujitsu da) means 'This plan is certain'.
Pronunciation:
The word is pronounced roughly as kah-koo-jee-tsoo nah.
- か (ka): Like the 'ca' in 'car'.
- く (ku): Like the 'coo' in 'cool', but with a shorter 'oo' sound.
- じ (ji): Like the 'jee' in 'jeep'.
- つ (tsu): Like the 'ts' in 'cats', followed by a short 'oo' sound.
- な (na): Like the 'na' in 'nanny'.
The stress tends to be fairly even across the syllables, without a strong emphasis on any single one, though the 'ji' syllable might receive a slight lift. There aren't really plural forms for adjectives in Japanese in the same way as English; the adjective itself doesn't change based on the noun's number.
Rhyming words: Finding perfect rhymes in Japanese can be tricky due to the syllable structure. However, words ending in '-itsu' might share a similar sound, like 技術 (gijutsu - technique) or 実行 (jikkō - execution), though the preceding sounds differ significantly.
Fun Fact
The character 確 originally depicted a hand striking something hard, symbolizing certainty. The character 実 represents a fruit or nut, signifying a tangible and true outcome.
Pronunciation Guide
The syllables are pronounced relatively evenly. The 'tsu' sound is short and sharp, almost like 'ts'. The 'u' sound in 'tsu' is often devoiced or very subtle.
Similar to UK pronunciation, with a clear distinction between the syllables. The 'u' in 'tsu' is often very light.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'tsu' as a full 'tsu' sound instead of the shorter, sharper version.
- Over-emphasizing the final 'na' syllable.
- Adding an unnecessary vowel sound after 'tsu'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy/hard to read
easy/hard to write
easy/hard to speak
easy/hard to listen
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Na-Adjective Conjugation
確実だ (kakujitsu da), 確実です (kakujitsu desu), 確実な (kakujitsu na)
Using Adjectives to Modify Nouns
確実な計画 (kakujitsu na keikaku)
Sentence Predicates
この情報は確実です (Kono jōhō wa kakujitsu desu).
Examples by Level
これは確実なペンです。
This / certain / pen / is.
確実な modifies ペン (pen).
明日は確実な晴れです。
Tomorrow / certain / sunny / is.
確実な describes the weather.
この道は確実です。
This / road / certain / is.
確実な describes the road's safety.
確実な答えをください。
Certain / answer / please give.
Requesting a sure answer.
確実な方法があります。
Certain / method / exists.
A reliable way to do something.
彼の約束は確実です。
His / promise / certain / is.
His promise is trustworthy.
確実な勝利を信じます。
Certain / victory / believe.
Believing in a sure win.
これは確実な情報です。
This / certain / information / is.
This is reliable information.
この薬は効果が確実です。
This / medicine / effect / certain / is.
The medicine's effect is certain.
確実な証拠がありますか？
Certain / evidence / is there?
Is there definite proof?
確実な収入源が必要です。
Certain / income source / is needed.
A reliable source of income is necessary.
確実なルートで帰りましょう。
Certain / route / let's return.
Let's go back by the surest route.
確実な未来のために貯金します。
Certain / future / for / save money.
I'll save money for a secure future.
この計画は確実な成功を約束します。
This / plan / certain / success / promises.
This plan guarantees success.
確実な手順に従ってください。
Certain / steps / please follow.
Please follow the definite procedure.
彼女の運転はとても確実だ。
Her / driving / very / certain / is.
Her driving is very reliable.
この投資は確実なリターンが期待できます。
This / investment / certain / return / can be expected.
This investment offers reliable returns.
確実な情報源から入手したデータです。
Certain / information source / from / obtained / data / is.
This is data obtained from a reliable source.
確実なことは、彼が会議に来ることだ。
Certain / thing / is / he / meeting / come / that.
The only certain thing is that he will come to the meeting.
確実な予防策を講じる必要があります。
Certain / preventive measures / take / need to.
It is necessary to take definite preventive measures.
確実な証拠がない限り、彼を疑うことはできない。
Certain / evidence / without / unless / him / suspect / cannot.
Unless there is concrete evidence, we cannot suspect him.
確実な知識に基づいて判断を下してください。
Certain / knowledge / based on / judgment / please make.
Please make a judgment based on sure knowledge.
確実な方法で問題を解決しましょう。
Certain / way / problem / let's solve.
Let's solve the problem using a reliable method.
彼の技術は確実なので、チームに不可欠だ。
His / skill / certain / because / team / essential / is.
His skills are reliable, making him essential to the team.
確実な成功を収めるためには、綿密な計画が不可欠だ。
Certain / success / to achieve / detailed / plan / essential / is.
Meticulous planning is essential to achieve certain success.
この地域では、確実な雇用機会を見つけるのは難しい。
This / region / in / certain / employment opportunities / find / difficult / is.
Finding reliable employment opportunities in this region is difficult.
確実な情報網を構築することが、危機管理の鍵となる。
Certain / information network / build / that / crisis management / key / becomes.
Establishing a reliable information network is key to crisis management.
確実な証拠がなければ、憶測で人を断罪することはできない。
Certain / evidence / without / speculation / with / person / condemn / cannot.
Without concrete evidence, one cannot condemn a person based on speculation.
確実な未来を築くために、彼は今、地道な努力を続けている。
Certain / future / build / to / he / now / steady / effort / continues.
To build a secure future, he continues to make steady efforts now.
確実な顧客基盤は、企業の持続的成長の礎となる。
Certain / customer base / company / sustainable growth / foundation / becomes.
A solid customer base forms the foundation for a company's sustainable growth.
確実な知識なしには、この複雑な問題を解決することは不可能だ。
Certain / knowledge / without / this / complex problem / solve / impossible / is.
Solving this complex problem is impossible without definite knowledge.
確実な航路を辿り、船は無事に港に到着した。
Certain / sea route / followed / ship / safely / port / arrived.
Following a sure course, the ship arrived safely in port.
確実なエビデンスに基づいた医療は、患者の予後を大きく改善させる可能性がある。
Certain / evidence / based on / medical care / patient / prognosis / greatly / improve / potential / has.
Evidence-based medicine has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.
確実な勝利の方程式は存在しないが、成功確率を高める要因は分析可能だ。
Certain / victory / formula / does not exist / but / success probability / increase / factors / are analyzable.
While a formula for certain victory doesn't exist, factors that increase the probability of success can be analyzed.
確実な未来予測は不可能であるという認識が、リスク管理における柔軟性を促す。
Certain / future prediction / impossible / is / recognition / risk management / in / flexibility / promotes.
The recognition that certain future prediction is impossible fosters flexibility in risk management.
確実な証拠の提示が、法廷における有罪立証の前提条件となる。
Certain / evidence / presentation / court / in / guilty proof / prerequisite / becomes.
The presentation of conclusive evidence is a prerequisite for proving guilt in court.
確実な経済成長軌道を維持するためには、構造改革が急務である。
Certain / economic growth trajectory / maintain / to / structural reforms / urgent task / is.
Structural reforms are urgently needed to maintain a stable economic growth path.
確実な知識の体系化は、学術的進歩の基盤を形成する。
Certain / knowledge / systematization / academic progress / foundation / forms.
The systematization of established knowledge forms the bedrock of academic advancement.
確実なコミュニケーションチャネルの確保は、組織運営の効率化に寄与する。
Certain / communication channel / securing / organizational management / efficiency / contributes.
Ensuring reliable communication channels contributes to the efficiency of organizational management.
確実な目標達成のためには、個々のステップの着実な実行が求められる。
Certain / goal achievement / for / individual / steps / steady / execution / is required.
Steady execution of individual steps is required for certain goal achievement.
確実な因果関係の証明は、科学的方法論における究極の目標の一つである。
Certain / causal relationship / proof / scientific methodology / in / ultimate / goal / one / is.
Proving a definitive causal relationship is one of the ultimate goals in scientific methodology.
確実な未来予測の試みは、しばしばカオス理論における感度分析の必要性を浮き彫りにする。
Certain / future prediction / attempts / often / chaos theory / in / sensitivity analysis / necessity / highlight.
Attempts at certain future prediction often highlight the necessity of sensitivity analysis in chaos theory.
確実な証拠に基づく法的判断は、法の支配の根幹をなす原則である。
Certain / evidence / based on / legal judgment / rule of law / core / fundamental principle / is.
Legal judgments based on conclusive evidence are a fundamental principle of the rule of law.
確実な知識の獲得は、認識論における探求の中心的なテーマであり続けている。
Certain / knowledge / acquisition / epistemology / in / exploration / central theme / has been.
The acquisition of certain knowledge has remained a central theme in epistemology.
確実な経済モデルの構築は、予測不可能な市場変動への対応能力を試す。
Certain / economic model / construction / unpredictable / market fluctuations / response capability / tests.
The construction of a definitive economic model tests the ability to respond to unpredictable market volatility.
確実な芸術的価値の基準を設けることは、主観性と客観性の間の永続的な緊張関係を示唆する。
Certain / artistic value / standard / establish / subjective / objective / between / perpetual / tension / suggests.
Establishing fixed criteria for artistic value suggests a perpetual tension between subjectivity and objectivity.
確実なコミュニケーションの欠如が、しばしば国際関係における誤解の温床となる。
Certain / communication / lack / often / international relations / in / misunderstanding / breeding ground / becomes.
The absence of reliable communication often becomes a breeding ground for misunderstandings in international relations.
確実な勝利の追求は、時に倫理的な境界線を曖昧にさせる危険性を孕む。
Certain / victory / pursuit / sometimes / ethical / boundaries / blur / danger / carries.
The pursuit of certain victory sometimes carries the danger of blurring ethical boundaries.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"鉄板 (teppan)"
A sure thing; a guaranteed success (modern slang).
このチームなら優勝は鉄板だよ。
casual"一石二鳥 (isseki nichō)"
Killing two birds with one stone; achieving two aims at once.
この方法を使えば、時間も節約できるし、質も上がる。一石二鳥だ。
neutral"確実を期す (kakujitsu o kisu)"
To ensure certainty; to make sure of something.
事故の確実を期すために、安全点検を徹底した。
formal"油断大敵 (yudan taiteki)"
Carelessness is a great enemy; complacency can ruin sure things.
どんなに準備が完璧でも、油断大敵だ。
neutral"間違いなし (machigai nashi)"
No mistake; definitely good/correct/will happen.
この店は美味しいから、行けば間違いなし！
casual"十中八九 (jutchū hakku)"
Eight or nine times out of ten; very likely.
十中八九、彼は約束の時間に来るだろう。
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean 'sure' or 'certain'.
確実な often implies a stronger, more objective certainty based on evidence or solid planning. 確か(な) can be slightly more subjective or refer to something confirmed as true, but perhaps with less implication of inherent reliability.
確実な情報 (reliable information) vs. 確かめた事実 (a fact that was confirmed).
Both convey a high degree of certainty.
絶対的な means 'absolute', 'unconditional', or 'total', implying a higher degree of extremity and lack of exception than 確実な, which focuses on reliability and assurance.
確実な勝利 (certain victory) vs. 絶対的な権力 (absolute power).
Both suggest something is likely to happen.
可能性が高い means 'highly probable' or 'likely', acknowledging some level of uncertainty. 確実な implies a much higher degree of certainty, almost a guarantee.
成功の可能性が高い (high probability of success) vs. 確実な成功 (certain success).
Both relate to dependability.
頼りになる focuses specifically on the 'reliable' aspect, especially for people or things you can count on. 確実な is broader, encompassing certainty of outcome, fact, or plan, in addition to reliability.
頼りになる友人 (a dependable friend) vs. 確実な計画 (a sure plan).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は/が + 確実な + Noun
この計画は確実な成功をもたらすだろう。
確実な + Noun + は/が + Copula (だ/です)
明日の天気は確実だ。
確実な + Noun + を + Verb
確実な情報を求めています。
確実な + Noun + の + ために
確実な未来のために貯金しています。
Verb Phrase + 確実を期す
事故がないよう、確実を期してください。
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
確実 is a na-adjective stem. To modify a noun directly, you need the 'な' particle.
確実な implies a much higher degree of certainty, bordering on guaranteed, while 可能性が高い indicates a strong likelihood but still allows for uncertainty.
確実な is best used for objective facts, reliable plans, or dependable outcomes, not subjective judgments.
Like other na-adjectives, 確実 needs the copula (だ/です) when it acts as the sentence predicate.
確実な implies a very high level of assurance, not just a possibility. Using it for something merely possible can sound overconfident or inaccurate.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Kakuji' (a person) who is always 100% sure about everything. He has a 'tsu' (two) thumbs up, meaning he's doubly sure! Associate this image with the word 確実な.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 確実な when people discuss business plans, project outcomes, scientific data, or when assuring someone about a future event. It's often used to build trust and confidence.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, reliability (確実性) is highly valued in business and personal relationships. Using 確実な appropriately shows you understand and respect this cultural emphasis on dependability.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 確実 + な + Noun (e.g., 確実な結果). If it's at the end of a sentence, use 確実だ/です.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'tsu' sound. It's short and sharp, like the end of 'cats', not a drawn-out 'tsu'.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 確実な for things that are just 'likely' or 'possible'. Reserve it for situations with a high degree of assurance.
Did You Know?
The kanji 確 (firm, sure) and 実 (fruit, result) combine to literally mean 'firmly true' or 'solidly resulting', giving a strong visual sense of the word's meaning.
Study Smart
Create flashcards with 確実な on one side and 'certain, reliable' on the other. Add example sentences like '確実な計画' on the back for context.
Synonym Spotlight
Think of 確か(な) as 'confirmed' and 確実な as 'guaranteed'. Use 確実な when you want to emphasize a higher level of assurance.
Antonym Power
Pairing 確実な with its opposite, 不確実な (uncertain), helps solidify its meaning. Practice sentences using both!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Kakuji' (a person's name) who is always *sure* to arrive on time, and 'tsu' sounds like 'too' (as in 'too reliable'). So, Kakuji is too reliable, meaning he is *certain* to be there!
Visual Association
Imagine a very sturdy, unshakeable rock (確) bearing ripe, perfect fruit (実). This image represents something solid and guaranteed.
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing three things in your life that you consider 確実な. For example, 'My alarm clock is 確実な', 'My dog's greeting is 確実な', 'The sun rising tomorrow is 確実な'.
Word Origin
Chinese (Kanji)
Original meaning: Firmly true; solid result.
Cultural Context
There are no major cultural sensitivities associated with this word. It's a neutral term used to express a common and important concept.
In English-speaking cultures, the concept of certainty is highly valued in fields like science, law, and finance. Phrases like 'beyond a reasonable doubt' or 'a sure bet' reflect this.
The concept of 'kakujitsu' is fundamental in Japanese business culture, emphasizing reliability and predictability in planning and execution. It's a core value in achieving long-term success.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Business Planning
- 確実な収益予測 (kakujitsu na shūnyū yosoku - reliable profit forecast)
- 確実な市場シェア (kakujitsu na shijō shea - certain market share)
- 確実な成長戦略 (kakujitsu na seichō senryaku - reliable growth strategy)
Scientific Research
- 確実なデータ (kakujitsu na dēta - reliable data)
- 確実な結果 (kakujitsu na kekka - certain results)
- 確実な証拠 (kakujitsu na shōko - conclusive evidence)
Daily Life Decisions
- 確実な方法 (kakujitsu na hōhō - sure method)
- 確実なルート (kakujitsu na rūto - reliable route)
- 確実な約束 (kakujitsu na yakusoku - sure promise)
Legal Settings
- 確実な証言 (kakujitsu na shōgen - reliable testimony)
- 確実な証明 (kakujitsu na shōmei - conclusive proof)
- 確実な事実 (kakujitsu na jijitsu - certain fact)
Conversation Starters
"What's something you are 確実な about happening this week?"
"Can you think of a 確実な way to improve your Japanese?"
"Describe a person you know who is very 確実な."
"What does 確実な mean to you in your daily life?"
"Is there a 確実な plan you've made recently?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time when you relied on something or someone 確実な.
Describe a goal you have and the 確実な steps you are taking to achieve it.
Reflect on the difference between 'likely' and 'certain'. Use 確実な in your reflection.
What does 'reliability' mean in the context of friendships or professional relationships? Use 確実な to express this.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsBoth mean 'sure' or 'certain'. 確実な often implies a stronger, more objective certainty or reliability, often based on evidence or solid planning. 確か(な) can sometimes be used more broadly and might imply a slightly less absolute level of certainty, or something that is confirmed as true.
Yes, you can say 確実な人 (kakujitsu na hito) to describe someone who is dependable, reliable, and trustworthy – someone you can count on.
Yes, the opposite is 不確実な (fukakujitsu na), meaning uncertain or unreliable. You can also say something is not 確実だ (kakujitsu da) to mean it's not certain.
確実に (kakujitsu ni) is the adverbial form. It means 'certainly', 'surely', or 'reliably'. For example, '彼は確実に勝つだろう' (Kare wa kakujitsu ni katsu darō) means 'He will certainly win'.
絶対的な (zettaiteki na) means 'absolute' or 'unconditional', implying a higher degree of totality or lack of exceptions than 確実な. 確実な focuses on reliability and certainty, while 絶対的な emphasizes completeness and lack of any doubt whatsoever.
It's more commonly used for concrete plans, results, or information. While you might say '確実な成功' (certain success), applying it to more abstract ideas like '確実な幸福' (certain happiness) might sound a bit unnatural unless qualified, as happiness is often subjective and less predictable.
It's quite versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's a standard, neutral term for expressing certainty and reliability.
Common collocations include 確実な計画 (reliable plan), 確実な情報 (reliable information), 確実な成功 (certain success), and 確実な方法 (sure method).
Test Yourself
この道は ____ です。
The sentence means 'This road is safe/reliable'. 確実な fits this meaning.
Which word means 'sure' or 'reliable'?
確実な is the word that means sure or reliable.
確実な情報 means 'unreliable information'.
確実な情報 means 'reliable information'. The opposite is 不確実な情報.
Word
Meaning
These phrases show how 確実な is used with different nouns.
The correct sentence is '確実な計画への道だ', meaning 'It's a path to certain success'.
この投資は ____ リターンが期待できる。
The sentence discusses expected returns from an investment, where 'reliable' or 'certain' returns are implied.
Which situation best describes the use of 確実な?
A statistically significant result in a scientific experiment implies a high degree of certainty and reliability.
確実な ____ を得るためには、さらなる調査が必要だ。
You need 'certain evidence' (確実な証拠) for further investigation.
Translate: 'The company aims to build a reliable customer base.'
Reliable translates to 確実な in this context.
In which context would 確実な be MOST appropriate?
Confirmed scientific findings are the epitome of certainty and reliability, making 確実な the most fitting term.
Score: /10
Summary
Use 確実な when you want to express strong confidence and reliability, leaving no room for doubt.
- Means 'certain', 'sure', 'reliable', 'definite'.
- A na-adjective, used as 確実な + Noun or 確実だ/です.
- Implies a high degree of confidence and trustworthiness.
- Useful in business, science, and daily life for clear communication.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Kakuji' (a person) who is always 100% sure about everything. He has a 'tsu' (two) thumbs up, meaning he's doubly sure! Associate this image with the word 確実な.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 確実な when people discuss business plans, project outcomes, scientific data, or when assuring someone about a future event. It's often used to build trust and confidence.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, reliability (確実性) is highly valued in business and personal relationships. Using 確実な appropriately shows you understand and respect this cultural emphasis on dependability.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 確実 + な + Noun (e.g., 確実な結果). If it's at the end of a sentence, use 確実だ/です.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More business words
遅めに
B1Late or later than usual.
経理
B1Accounting, accounts department; managing financial records.
的確な
B1Accurate; precise; exactly correct.
達成する
B1To achieve; to accomplish a goal.
活性化
B2To make something more active, lively, or effective. It is used for communities (revitalization), economies (stimulation), and biological processes (activation).
付加
B2To add or attach something extra to an existing thing to increase its value or function.
優位性
B2The state of being in a superior or more advantageous position compared to others; an edge or competitive advantage.
有利
A2Advantageous, favorable; beneficial in a situation.
有利に
B1Advantageously; favorably.
宣伝する
B1To promote; to publicize; to advertise.
