当然
dāngrán
In Chinese, the word for sure (as in being certain) is 当然 (dāngrán).
While 当然 can function as an adjective meaning certain in one's knowledge or belief, it is most frequently used as an adverb or an interjection. In these roles, it translates to 'of course' or 'naturally,' often used to emphasize a statement or to respond to a question.
Meaning: certain in one's knowledge or belief (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 当然 is composed of 当 (dāng), meaning 'to be' or 'to act as' and 然 (rán), a suffix meaning 'as if' or 'in such a way'. Literally, it means 'as it should be' or 'naturally'.
Which one should you use?
当然 is used when something is a natural or obvious consequence (of course). In contrast, 肯定 (kěndìng) is used when you want to express a high degree of subjective certainty or conviction (definitely/surely).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverb meaning 'of course', you can place 当然 at the beginning of a sentence or immediately before the verb it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
dāngrán
Did you know?
- In Chinese, the character 然 (rán) in 当然 originally referred to the act of burning or the glow of a fire. Over centuries, it evolved into a suffix used to create adjectives and adverbs to describe the manner in which something exists.
- In very formal or classical Chinese, the root of 当然 relates to the concept of 'Tao' or the natural order of the universe. To say something is 当然 is to say it is in harmony with the way the world is supposed to function.
- Using 当然 to respond to a compliment can occasionally sound like you are agreeing with the praise too readily, making it feel less humble.
Examples in context
- 当然，为什么不？Sure, why not?This sentence shows how to use 当然 to say 'Sure, why not?'Tatoeba #5585211 by verdastelo9604, translation #1610745 by Shishir
- 我当然希望这是一个梦。I sure hope this is a dream.This sentence uses 当然 to express the feeling of 'I sure hope…'.Tatoeba #1428154 by sadhen, translation #700478 by Zifre
- 哦，当然。Oh, sure.This sentence demonstrates a short, conversational use of 当然.Tatoeba #2082999 by sadhen, translation #869476 by mccarras
- 当然，谢谢！(Dāngrán, xièxiè!)Sure, thanks!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a plan to go to a movie.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我们明天去看电影，好吗？Wǒmen míngtiān qù kàn diànyǐng, hǎo ma?Shall we go see a movie tomorrow?
- 浩然 Haoran当然可以，我想去。Dāngrán kěyǐ, wǒ xiǎng qù.Sure, I'd love to go.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你确定时间没问题吧？Nǐ quèdìng shíjiān méi wèntí ba?Are you sure the time works for you?
- 浩然 Haoran当然没问题，我明天休息。Dāngrán méi wèntí, wǒ míngtiān xiūxí.Of course there's no problem, I'm off tomorrow.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
