verb / adjective / adverb HSK 4
to affirm · to confirm · definite · certainly · surely
Meaning
肯定 expresses certainty, affirmation, or positive confirmation. As a verb, it means to confirm or affirm something. As an adjective, it describes something that is definite or certain. As an adverb, it means 'certainly' or 'definitely', expressing strong conviction.
Usage
肯定 is used in both formal and informal contexts. When used as an adverb before a verb, it expresses the speaker's strong belief that something is or will be true. It commonly appears in responses to show agreement or certainty. The opposite meaning is expressed by 否定 (fǒu dìng).
Examples
- 01他肯定会来参加你的生日聚会。.He will definitely come to your birthday party.
- 02老师肯定了我的努力和进步。.The teacher affirmed my effort and progress.
Characters
Common collocations
- 肯定回答affirmative answer
- 给予肯定to give affirmation
- 得到肯定to receive affirmation
Antonyms
Origin
The character 肯 originally meant 'willing' or 'to consent', while 定 means 'fixed' or 'determined'. Together they create the meaning of something being definitively agreed upon or certain.