Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== quèdìng: 确定 - To Determine, To Confirm, Certain ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** 确定, queding, what does queding mean, how to say confirm in Chinese, certain in Chinese, determine in Chinese, Chinese grammar, 确定 vs 肯定, queding vs kending, Chinese for beginners, HSK 3 vocabulary * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word **确定 (quèdìng)**, a versatile term used to express confirmation, determination, and certainty. This guide covers its core meaning as both a verb ("to confirm") and an adjective ("certain"), breaking down its characters, cultural significance, and practical use in daily conversation. Master the difference between **确定 (quèdìng)** and the similar word **肯定 (kěndìng)** to speak more precise and natural Mandarin. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** quèdìng * **Part of Speech:** Verb, Adjective * **HSK Level:** HSK 3 * **Concise Definition:** To confirm, determine, or make sure; certain or definite. * **In a Nutshell:** **确定 (quèdìng)** is the go-to word for moving from a state of uncertainty to one of clarity. Think of it as "locking something in." Whether you are confirming a meeting time, verifying a piece of information, or making a final decision, `确定` signifies that something is now set, fixed, and no longer up for debate. It's about establishing facts and finalizing plans. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **确 (què):** This character means "solid," "real," or "true." The radical on the left is **石 (shí)**, which means "stone." This gives the character a feeling of solidity, reliability, and factualness—as solid as a rock. * **定 (dìng):** This character means "to set," "to fix," or "to decide." The top part is a roof (宀), and the bottom part originally depicted a foot (疋), suggesting something being settled or put in its proper place under a roof. It implies stability and a lack of movement. * **Combined Meaning:** When you put them together, **确定 (quèdìng)** literally means "to solidly fix" or "to truly set." This combination perfectly captures the idea of removing all doubt and establishing something as a definite fact or a finalized plan. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== * **The Value of Clarity:** While Western communication can sometimes favor soft or hedging language ("I think maybe we could meet around 3?"), Chinese communication in practical matters often values clarity and efficiency. Using **确定 (quèdìng)** is a way to cut through ambiguity. When you ask someone, "**你确定吗？(Nǐ quèdìng ma?)**" - "Are you sure?", you are asking for a firm commitment, not a vague possibility. This isn't seen as pushy, but rather as a necessary step to ensure everyone is on the same page and can proceed with confidence. * **Contrast with Western "Hedging":** In an American context, someone might say "I'm pretty sure I can make it" to be polite, even if they are certain. In China, if you have confirmed your availability, you would more likely just say "**我确定能来 (Wǒ quèdìng néng lái)**" - "I've confirmed I can come." The use of `确定` signals that the matter is settled and the other person can rely on it. It reflects a preference for clear, actionable information over polite but potentially ambiguous statements, especially when making arrangements. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== **确定** is an extremely common word used in various contexts, from casual chats to formal business. * **As a Verb (to confirm, to determine):** This is its most frequent use. It's about the action of verifying or finalizing something. * Booking flights: "请**确定**您的航班信息。" (Qǐng **quèdìng** nín de hángbān xìnxī.) - "Please confirm your flight information." * Making plans: "我们**确定**一下明天见面的时间吧。" (Wǒmen **quèdìng** yíxià míngtiān jiànmiàn de shíjiān ba.) - "Let's confirm the time for our meeting tomorrow." * Investigation: "警察正在**确定**事故的原因。" (Jǐngchá zhèngzài **quèdìng** shìgù de yuányīn.) - "The police are determining the cause of the accident." * **As an Adjective (certain, definite, fixed):** This describes a state of being sure or a fact being unchangeable. * Stating a fact: "这是一个**确定**的事实。" (Zhè shì yíge **quèdìng** de shìshí.) - "This is a definite fact." * Expressing uncertainty (negative form): "会议日期还**不确定**。" (Huìyì rìqī hái **bù quèdìng**.) - "The date of the meeting is still uncertain." * **In Questions:** The phrase "**你确定吗？(Nǐ quèdìng ma?)**" ("Are you sure?") is ubiquitous in daily conversation. ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 你**确定**这是正确的地址吗？ * Pinyin: Nǐ **quèdìng** zhè shì zhèngquè de dìzhǐ ma? * English: Are you sure this is the correct address? * Analysis: A very common question used to seek confirmation before taking action, like before telling a taxi driver the destination. * **Example 2:** * 我们需要**确定**会议的具体日期。 * Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào **quèdìng** huìyì de jùtǐ rìqī. * English: We need to determine the specific date for the meeting. * Analysis: Here, `确定` is a verb meaning "to determine" or "to finalize." It implies a decision needs to be made. * **Example 3:** * 他还没**确定**要不要去留学。 * Pinyin: Tā hái méi **quèdìng** yào bu yào qù liúxué. * English: He hasn't decided yet whether he wants to study abroad. * Analysis: This shows the negative form `还没确定` (hái méi quèdìng), meaning "hasn't yet confirmed/decided," indicating a state of indecision. * **Example 4:** * 我很**确定**我锁门了。 * Pinyin: Wǒ hěn **quèdìng** wǒ suǒ mén le. * English: I am very certain that I locked the door. * Analysis: Here, `确定` functions like an adjective describing the speaker's state of mind—they are sure about a past action. * **Example 5:** * 请点击“**确定**”按钮以继续。 * Pinyin: Qǐng diǎnjī “**quèdìng**” ànniǔ yǐ jìxù. * English: Please click the "Confirm" button to continue. * Analysis: This is a formal, instructional use you'll see constantly on websites, software, and apps. * **Example 6:** * 医生已经**确定**了病因。 * Pinyin: Yīshēng yǐjīng **quèdìng** le bìngyīn. * English: The doctor has already determined the cause of the illness. * Analysis: `确定` is used here in a technical context, meaning "to identify" or "to ascertain" through investigation. * **Example 7:** * 这是一个**不确定**的时代，什么都可能发生。 * Pinyin: Zhè shì yíge **bù quèdìng** de shídài, shénme dōu kěnéng fāshēng. * English: This is an uncertain era; anything can happen. * Analysis: The antonym `不确定` (bù quèdìng) is used as an adjective to mean "uncertain" or "unpredictable." * **Example 8:** * 你能帮我**确定**一下这个消息是不是真的吗？ * Pinyin: Nǐ néng bāng wǒ **quèdìng** yíxià zhège xiāoxi shì bu shì zhēnde ma? * English: Can you help me confirm whether this news is true? * Analysis: A polite request for help in the act of verification. The `一下 (yíxià)` softens the tone. * **Example 9:** * 一旦**确定**了目标，我们就要努力去实现。 * Pinyin: Yídàn **quèdìng** le mùbiāo, wǒmen jiù yào nǔlì qù shíxiàn. * English: Once the goal is determined, we must work hard to achieve it. * Analysis: Shows `确定` used for setting goals or targets. It implies the goal is now fixed and serves as the basis for action. * **Example 10:** * 我**不确定**他理不理解我的意思。 * Pinyin: Wǒ **bù quèdìng** tā lǐ bu lǐjiě wǒ de yìsi. * English: I'm not sure if he understands my meaning. * Analysis: Expresses personal uncertainty about another person's state of mind. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== * **确定 (quèdìng) vs. 肯定 (kěndìng):** This is the most common point of confusion for learners. * **确定 (quèdìng)** is about **objective confirmation** and **finalizing a decision**. It's based on evidence, verification, or a concluding thought process. It answers the question, "Is this factually established or decided?" * //Correct:// 我**确定**会议是下午三点。(Wǒ **quèdìng** huìyì shì xiàwǔ sān diǎn.) - I have confirmed the meeting is at 3 PM. (I checked the schedule). * **肯定 (kěndìng)** is about **subjective belief** and **affirmation**. It expresses a strong personal conviction or a positive assessment. It answers the question, "Do you believe this is true?" or "Is the answer 'yes'?" * //Correct:// 天这么黑，我**肯定**要下雨了。(Tiān zhème hēi, wǒ **kěndìng** yào xià yǔ le.) - The sky is so dark, I'm sure it's going to rain. (This is my strong belief/prediction). * **Mistake:** Saying "我肯定会议是下午三点" is not wrong, but it means "I'm sure/I bet the meeting is at 3 PM," implying a strong guess. If you actually checked the schedule, **确定** is the more precise word. * **False Friend: "Determined"** * While `确定` can mean "to determine" (a cause, a time), it does **not** mean "determined" in the sense of having a strong will or resolve. * //Incorrect:// He is determined to win. -> 他很**确定**要赢。(Tā hěn **quèdìng** yào yíng.) * //Correct:// He is determined to win. -> 他**决心**要赢。(Tā **juéxīn** yào yíng.) Use [[决心]] (juéxīn) for "determination" or "resolve." ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[决定]] (juédìng) - To decide; a decision. More focused on the act of choosing from options, whereas `确定` is about finalizing that choice or verifying a fact. * [[肯定]] (kěndìng) - To affirm; definitely, sure. Expresses subjective certainty or a positive affirmation. The most important contrast to `确定`. * [[确认]] (quèrèn) - To confirm, to verify. Very similar to `确定`, but often used in more formal or technical contexts, like `确认` your password or `确认` receipt of an item. * [[一定]] (yīdìng) - Definitely, surely, must. An adverb used to express strong certainty or obligation, often before a verb. e.g., "我明天一定会来" (I will definitely come tomorrow). * [[当然]] (dāngrán) - Of course. Used when the answer is obvious or self-evident. * [[保证]] (bǎozhèng) - To guarantee, to promise. A much stronger form of assurance than `确定`, implying a personal promise or guarantee. * [[不确定]] (bù quèdìng) - Uncertain, unsure. The direct antonym, used as an adjective or predicate.