What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 你确定吗？ is composed of 你 (you), 确定 (to be sure/certain) and 吗 (a particle used to turn a statement into a yes/no question).
Which one should you use?
While 你确定吗？ asks if someone is certain, using 你肯定吗？ (nǐ kěndìng ma?) is also possible but often implies asking if someone is 'positive' or 'absolutely certain' in a slightly more emphatic way. For a more formal way to ask if a person has confidence or assurance, you can use 你有把握吗？ (Nǐ yǒu bǎwò ma?).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To be more polite and respectful, suitable for addressing elders or superiors, replace 你 with 您 to say 您确定吗？ (nín quèdìng ma?). For informal situations, you can use 你确定啊？ (Nǐ quèdìng a?) or the expression 你是不是真的确定？ (Nǐ shì bùshì zhēnde quèdìng?) to indicate doubt and question certainty.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 你确定了没？ (nǐ quèdìng le méi?) is a common colloquial way to ask 'Are you sure (yet)?' or 'Have you decided for sure?'
How do you pronounce it?
nǐ quèdìng ma?
When do people say it?
A standard way to respond to this question is saying 我确定 (wǒ quèdìng), which means "I am sure."
Did you know?
- The word 确定 (quèdìng) is also used as a technical term in software and apps for the 'OK' or 'Confirm' button.
- The word 把握 (bǎwò) in the formal phrase 你有把握吗？ literally refers to a 'grip' or 'hold' on a situation.
- In certain social contexts, asking 你确定吗？ can be interpreted as a polite way of suggesting that the other person is actually wrong without stating it directly.
Examples in context
- 你确定吗？Nǐ quèdìng ma?Are you sure?
Example conversation
Zi Qiang and Zi Han are discussing a travel plan.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我们明天出发，你确定吗？Wǒmen míngtiān chūfā, nǐ quèdìng ma?We leave tomorrow, are you sure?
- 梓涵 Zihan我确定，票已经买好了。Wǒ quèdìng, piào yǐjīng mǎi hǎo le.I'm sure, the tickets are already bought.
- 志强 Zhiqiang太好了，我准备一下。Tài hǎo le, wǒ zhǔnbèi yīxià.Great, I will get ready.
- 梓涵 Zihan别忘了带雨伞。Bié wàngle dài yǔsǎn.Don't forget to bring an umbrella.
