adverb / adjective HSK 2
must · certainly · surely · definite · fixed
Meaning
一定 expresses certainty, necessity, or determination. As an adverb before verbs, it means 'must' or 'certainly will.' As an adjective, it describes something fixed, definite, or certain. It's one of the most common ways to express strong conviction or obligation in Mandarin.
Usage
Native speakers use 一定 frequently in both spoken and written Chinese to emphasize certainty or necessity. It's stronger than 可能 (maybe) but less forceful than 必须 (must/have to). Common in promises, predictions, and emphatic statements. Can be softened with 不一定 (not necessarily).
Examples
- 01你明天一定要来参加我的生日派对。.You must come to my birthday party tomorrow.
- 02只要努力学习，你一定会成功的。, .As long as you study hard, you will certainly succeed.
Characters
Common collocations
- 一定要must, have to
- 一定会definitely will
- 一定的certain, fixed, definite
- 在一定程度上to a certain extent
Antonyms
Origin
Literally combines 'one' (一) and 'fixed/determined' (定), conveying the sense of something that is 'fixed as one' or 'definitely established.'