quèdìng: 确定 - To Determine, To Confirm, Certain

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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 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.

• 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.”

• 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.