HSK Words: 确定 (què dìng) VS 肯定 (kěn dìng)

Today, we will learn the HSK Words: 确定 (què dìng) VS 肯定 (kěn dìng). In our daily lives, we often come across many words with similar meanings, such as 确定(què dìng) and 肯定(kěn dìng). Although they both have to do with certainty and assurance, you will find that their usage is quite distinct! So what’s the difference between 确定(què dìng) and 肯定(kěn dìng)? Let’s find out!

The main emphasis of 确定 (què dìng) is on the absolute certainty or the exactness of something. It is used to describe something that is certain or exact, with little or no room for doubt or ambiguity.

Examples:

1. Can you confirm the date of the meeting?
   你能确定一下会议的日期吗？
   nǐ néng què dìng yī xià huì yì de rì qī ma ？
2. The scientific method can help us to reach accurate conclusions.
   科学方法可以帮助我们得出确定的结论。
   kē xué fāng fǎ kě yǐ bāng zhù wǒ men dé chū què dìng de jié lùn 。
3. The witness’s statement confirms the suspect’s guilt.
   证人的陈述确定了嫌疑人的罪行。
   zhèng rén de chén shù què dìng le xián yí rén de zuì xíng 。

肯定(kěn dìng) emphasizes the act of expressing support or agreement for something. It is used to express confidence or certainty towards a statement, idea, or request.

Examples:

1. I am certain that he is innocent.
   我肯定他是无辜的。
   wǒ kěn dìng tā shì wú gū de 。
2. The teacher praised the student for his hard work and dedication.
   老师对学生的努力和奉献表示肯定。
   lǎo shī duì xué shēng de nǔ lì hé fèng xiàn biǎo shì kěn dìng 。
3. The project received positive feedback from the clients.
   这个项目得到了客户的肯定。
   zhè gè xiàng mù dé dào le kè hù de kěn dìng 。

Quiz: Please consider whether to use 确定(què dìng) and 肯定(kěn dìng) in following sentences.

1. 我___明天会下雨。
   wǒ ___ míng tiān huì xià yǔ 。
2. 这个问题我___要问清楚。
   zhè gè wèn tí wǒ  ___ yào wèn qīng chǔ 。
3. 这件衣服我___要买。
   zhè jiàn yī fú wǒ ___  yào mǎi 。

Answer:

1. 确定(què dìng)
2. 肯定(kěn dìng)
3. 肯定(kěn dìng)