确实 · 绝对
indeed, really (it’s true) · absolutely, definitely
Structure
确实 + 形容词／动词 · 绝对 （+ 不／不能／不会） + 动词
What it means
确实 confirms that something is true: “indeed, really”. 绝对 is a strong “absolutely, definitely” for promises, rules and firm opinions.
How it is built
确实 + adjective／verb: 这里的菜确实很好吃 (the food here really is good). 绝对 (+ 不／不能／不会) + verb: 开车的时候绝对不能喝酒 (you must never drink when you drive).
When to use it
Use 确实 when you agree or something turns out as people said: 你说得对，确实很难. Use 绝对 to promise or lay down a rule, very often with 不, 不能 or 不会; 绝对不能 means “must never”.
Watch out
A promise takes 绝对, a plain fact takes 确实: 我绝对不会告诉别人 (I definitely won’t tell anyone) vs 我确实没告诉别人 (I really didn’t tell anyone).
Examples
你说得对，这里的菜确实很好吃。
You’re right, the food here really is good.
放心，这件事我绝对不会告诉别人。
Don’t worry, I definitely won’t tell anyone.
开车的时候绝对不能喝酒。
You must never drink when you drive.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 14: 保护熊猫 (Saving the panda)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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