确定

què dìng

definite

HSK 5

Character Breakdown

Usage and Meaning

The word "确定" (quèdìng) primarily means "to confirm," "to decide," or "to make certain." It is often used when finalizing plans, decisions, or facts. It can express both the act of making a decision and the state of something being definite or confirmed.

Common Collocations

  • 确定时间 (confirm the time): used when fixing schedules.
  • 确定目标 (decide on a goal): used in planning or personal decisions.
  • 确定事实 (confirm the facts): used in verifying information.

Usage Notes

"确定" is a formal and clear way to express certainty or decision. It is often used in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in business, education, and official contexts. Avoid confusing it with "肯定" (kěndìng), which means "to affirm" or "definitely" but has a slightly different nuance.

When using "确定," the focus is on making something definite or sure, often after consideration or verification.

Example Sentences

我们需要确定会议的时间。

Wǒmen xūyào quèdìng huìyì de shíjiān.

We need to confirm the time of the meeting.

他确定了自己的职业方向。

Tā quèdìngle zìjǐ de zhíyè fāngxiàng.

He has decided on his career direction.

请你确定一下这个数字是否正确。

Qǐng nǐ quèdìng yíxià zhège shùzì shìfǒu zhèngquè.

Please confirm whether this number is correct.