hang2 ding6肯定
Jyutpinghang2 ding6
Yaleháng dihng
Definition
To be sure, certain, or without a doubt.
colloquialdescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Expressing certainty in Cantonese often relies on this word to signal a high level of confidence in a fact or prediction. It functions similarly to English adverbs like definitely or surely, but it is grammatically an adjective or verb that can be modified by degree adverbs like 好 or 幾. It is frequently paired with 嘅 to emphasize the speaker's conviction.
Examples
I am sure he will come tomorrow.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a direct translation for the English verb confirm in a formal business context, where 確定 or 確認 is more appropriate. Using 肯定 in a professional setting to mean confirm can sound slightly too casual or subjective.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
