Meaning
确定 means to make something certain or to verify that something is true. As a verb, it means to confirm, establish, or decide something definitively. As an adjective, it describes something that is certain, definite, or fixed. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing plans, decisions, or facts.
Usage
Native speakers use 确定 frequently in daily life when confirming appointments, verifying information, or expressing certainty. It's more formal than 一定 (yīdìng) but less technical than 确认 (quèrèn). Common patterns include 确定了 (it's confirmed) and 不确定 (not certain/unsure). In questions, 你确定吗? (Are you sure?) is very common in casual conversation.
Examples
- 01你确定明天能来吗？?Are you sure you can come tomorrow?
- 02我们还没有确定具体的会议时间。.We haven't confirmed the specific meeting time yet.
Characters
Common collocations
- 确定时间to confirm/set the time
- 确定关系to establish a relationship (often romantic)
- 不确定uncertain, unsure
- 确定无疑absolutely certain, beyond doubt
Antonyms
Origin
The character 确 originally meant 'solid stone' or 'hard', evolving to mean 'reliable' or 'certain'. Combined with 定 (to fix/decide), the word literally conveys the sense of 'solidly fixed' or 'reliably determined'.