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的确 (dí què) — really, indeed

Definition

Used to confirm or emphasize that something is true, often as a direct response. Similar to 确实, but 的确 sits in front of a statement to stress it; 其实 is a contrast ("actually").

adverb
reallyindeed

Examples

  • 的确。
    Tā dí què shì wǒ de hǎo péng you.
    He is indeed my good friend.
  • 的确。
    Zhè shuāng xié dí què hěn shū fu.
    This pair of shoes is really comfortable.
  • 的确？
    Nǐ dí què bù zhī dào zhè jiàn shì ma?
    Do you really not know about this matter?

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

的detrue
确quècertain

的 and 确 both mean true or certain, so together they strengthen the statement to indeed.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
白白báiwhite
Sound part声符shēngfú
勺
勺sháo的de
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

的 pairs 白, related to white or brightness, with 勺, which gives a clue to the sound. Its older form 旳 meant bright.

Open 的 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 確; 确 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
石石shírock
Sound part声符shēngfú
隺
隺hè確què
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 確 combines 石, a rock, with 隺 for its sound; the idea is something rock-solid and certain. The simplified 确 is a shorthand.

Open 确 →
Appears in
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