Translation guide
The English word 'definite' can express certainty, clarity, or a fixed decision. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the nuance: whether something is clearly decided, absolutely certain, or explicitly stated.
Expressing that a plan, date, or decision is final and not subject to change.
Used for things that have been officially decided or confirmed, such as schedules, plans, or results. Often used in formal or business contexts.
日程が確定しました。
The schedule has been finalized.
確定した情報だけを伝えてください。
Please only share confirmed information.
Refers to a decision that has been made. Can be used for personal decisions or official rulings. Slightly broader than 確定.
会議の日時はまだ決定していません。
The meeting date and time haven't been decided yet.
A more casual way to say something is clearly decided. はっきり means 'clearly' and 決まっている means 'has been decided'.
旅行の予定ははっきり決まっているの？
Are the travel plans definite?
Emphasizing that something is true without any doubt.
Means 'certain' or 'sure'. Often used when you are confident about a fact based on memory or evidence. Can be used as an adjective or adverb.
それは確かな情報ですか？
Is that definite information?
確かに彼は来ると言った。
He definitely said he would come.
Means 'clear' or 'definite' in the sense of being unambiguous and explicit. Often used for statements, evidence, or criteria.
Means 'assertive' or 'definitive'. Used when someone states something in a definite, conclusive manner. Slightly formal.
彼の口調は断定的だった。
His tone was definite.
Describing something that is clearly defined, not ambiguous.
Means 'concrete' or 'specific'. Often used when asking for definite details rather than vague ideas.
具体的な例を挙げてください。
Please give a definite example.
An adjective meaning 'clear' or 'distinct'. Commonly used in everyday speech to ask for or describe something definite.
はっきりした理由が知りたい。
I want to know the definite reason.
Referring to the grammatical concept of 'the' in English.
Japanese lacks definite/indefinite articles. Definiteness is often inferred from context, or marked by the topic particle は (as opposed to が).
確定 emphasizes that something has been confirmed or finalized, often after a process of verification. 決定 simply means a decision has been made. Use 確定 for schedules, results, or facts that are now fixed; use 決定 for choices or rulings.
Direct translations like デフィニット are not used. Choose the appropriate Japanese word based on the specific nuance (certainty, decision, clarity).
明確な答えが必要です。
We need a definite answer.