定 (dìng) — to set, to determine, to fix (a time, plan, rule, etc.); to order (goods or services)
Definition
定 (dìng) covers two main uses: setting or fixing a plan/time/rule, and ordering goods (e.g. a coffee). Unlike 决定 (a decision you make), 定 emphasizes locking something in.
verb
to setto determineto fix (a time, plan, rule, etc.)to order (goods or services)
Easily confused
- 字zìlook-alikecharacter (Chinese character)
- 订dìngsound-aliketo order (goods, tickets, food, etc.), to book
- 宗zōnglook-alike(classifier) for cases, batches, transactions, medical cases, etc.
- 钉dìngsound-aliketo nail, to pin, to staple (fasten by driving a pointed object)
- 安ānlook-alike(adjective) calm, peaceful, safe, secure
Examples
- 定。Wǒ men dé xiān dìng yí gè rì qī.We need to set a date first.
- 定。Wǒ dìng le yì bēi kā fēi.I ordered a cup of coffee.
- 。Jié guǒ hái méi dìng xià lái.The result hasn't been settled yet.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 4 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.