HSK 4
肯定
kěndìng
certain
Structure
Subject + 肯定 + Verb / Adjective (as adverb) OR Subject + (很) + 肯定 (as adjective)
How it works
The word 肯定 (kěndìng) can function as an adjective meaning 'certain' or 'definite,' or as an adverb meaning 'definitely' or 'undoubtedly.' It is used to express strong confidence or confirmation regarding a situation or fact.
Examples
他这么努力，肯定能考好。
Tā zhème nǔlì, kěndìng néng kǎo hǎo.
He works so hard, he will definitely do well on the exam.
我不肯定他明天是否会来。
Wǒ bù kěndìng tā míngtiān shìfǒu huì lái.
I am not certain whether he will come tomorrow.
经理给出的回答是肯定的。
Jīnglǐ gěichū de huídá shì kěndìng de.
The answer given by the manager is affirmative.
Common mistakes
Don't confuse 肯定 with 一定; while both mean 'definitely,' 肯定 leans more toward expressing certainty about a fact, while 一定 can also express a strong requirement or command.
Tip
If you are unsure whether to use 肯定 as an adjective or adverb, remember that as an adverb, it always comes before the verb, similar to how you use 'definitely' in English.
More HSK 4 grammar
See 肯定 in real Chinese
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