If you look up 肯定 (kěndìng), 确定 (quèdìng) and 一定 (yīdìng) in the dictionary, they all have similar meanings, like "certain" or "surely." However, using them correctly in a sentence is a bit more complicated.

Overview 概述

So how are these three words words different? We can answer this question from two points of view:

1. From a "parts of speech" point of view:

2. From a "significance or meaning" point of view:

"肯定" and "确定" as a Verb

Structure with 肯定

肯定 can express that something is satisfactory (对…满意), often used when a superior evaluates subordinates. When used this way, it should be followed directly by a noun or a phrase that is acting as a noun (noun phrase).

肯定 + Noun / Noun Phrase

I can also be used to express "I am sure." When used this way it is usually a clause at the end of a sentence.

Subj. + (敢)肯定 + Sentences

Examples with 肯定

Structure with 确定

You can also add a verb phrase a preposition phrase after 确定, which makes it mean that that something is already set, often used in describing a progressing condition.

确定 + Phrase / Sentence

Examples with 确定

Examples of right or wrong sentences

"肯定" "一定" as an Adverb

肯定 and 一定 can both be adverbs, and the grammar structure for both are similar. 肯定 emphasized more of a subjective judgement or promise. 一定 sometimes carries an air of forcing something or issuing a command.

Structure with 肯定

肯定 + Adj. / Verb

Examples with 肯定

Structure with 一定

一定 + Adj. / Verb

Examples with 一定

Right or Wrong

"肯定" "确定" "一定" as as Adjectives

All three of these can be placed before a noun as adjectives. But in this grammar structure, 肯定 and 确定 use their verb meanings, and 一定 as an adjective means "something particular

Structures

肯定 + (的 +) Noun

确定 + (的 +) Noun

一定 + (的 +) Noun

Examples

See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

Dictionaries

Category:grammar comparison