분명히
bunmyeonghi[punmjʌ̹ŋʝi]
The English word "definitely" can be translated into Korean as 분명히 (bunmyeonghi).
분명히 is used to mean "definitely," "clearly," or "obviously."
Meaning: An emphatic affirmative answer, of course (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 분명히 focuses on clarity and obviousness, 확실히 is used specifically to emphasize certainty. If you are expressing an absolute negative in formal situations, use 결코 instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, the word 정말 is used instead of 정말로 to express certainty.
How do you pronounce it?
bunmyeonghi
Did you know?
- The word 분명히 is built from the Hanja characters for 'divide' and 'bright'. Together, they create a visual metaphor for something that has been separated from the shadows to be seen clearly.
- If you are speaking to someone much older or in a higher social position, using 분명히 at the start of a sentence can sometimes sound like you are lecturing them or asserting your correctness too forcefully.
- When Koreans want to say 'definitely' in a very casual or slang-heavy way, they may use ㅇㅇ, which is shorthand for 응응 (eung-eung). This repetition of the 'yes' sound mimics the nodding of a head to show total agreement.
Examples in context
- 그는 분명히 올 것이다.He will definitely come.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 분명히 to indicate a certain future action.Tatoeba #5262010 by Sudajaengi, translation #7999665 by ciwlx
- 이 방법은 분명히 성공할 것입니다This method will definitely succeed
- 규칙을 준수한다면 확실히 좋은 결과를 얻을 수 있습니다If you follow the rules, you will definitely achieve good results
- 저는 결코 실망시키지 않을 것입니다I will definitely not disappoint you
- 분명히 그게 맞아요.bunmyeonghi geuge majayo.That is definitely correct.
- 분명히 도와줄게요.bunmyeonghi dowajulgeyo.I will definitely help you.
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are discussing a movie they want to see.
- 민지 Min-ji이 영화 재미있을까요?i yeonghwa jaemiisseulkkayo?Do you think this movie will be fun?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 분명히 재미있을 거예요.ne, bunmyeonghi jaemiisseul geoyeyo.Yes, it will definitely be fun.
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 지금 바로 예매해요.geureom jigeum baro yemaehaeyo.Then let's book the tickets right now.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요, 제가 할게요.joayo, jega halgeyo.Okay, I will do it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 분명히, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 분명히, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
